Analyzing the State of the Union

After a very difficult year for him politically, President Bush used his 2006 State of the Union address to relaunch his presidency. With widespread concerns about the war in Iraq and the direction of the country more generally, the speech aimed to bolster the case for his approach to Iraq and the economy–and to outline an agenda to replace proposals like Social Security reform that have been set aside.

To analyze the President’s remarks and examine the political terrain he faces in the upcoming election year, Brookings will host a panel discussion the morning after the State of the Union speech. The event will be moderated by senior fellow Thomas Mann, and will include experts on a broad range of policy issues, including Brookings scholars Ivo Daalder, Ron Haskins, Isabel Sawhill, Audrey Singer and David Sandalow.