Bush to deliver final State of the Union address tonight

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Bush goes before Congress tonight to make his final State of the Union speech. It’s the last one of his administration and his spokesman says in it, the president will look forward to his final year, and not back at what’s gone before.

When the president enters tonight’s joint session of Congress he’ll be there to make the final State of the Union address of his administration. Press secretary Dana Perino says he’s looking forward to it.

Perino said, “The speech is focused on the future. It is not a review of the first seven years of his time as president. It will reflect the president’s mindset that he is going to sprint to the finish.”

Mr. Bush’s ability to sprint may be hampered by a lack of popularity. His job approval ratings are now at 32 percent, the lowest seen by a sitting president at this point in his administration, in decades. Sixty-six percent of Americans disapprove of the way he’s running the country.

In his speech tonight he’s expected to highlight some areas of potential agreement with Congress and the issue currently looming large in most Americans’ minds.

He’ll likely mention tax cuts, in order to further stimulate the economy.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, “Any day of the week Democrats stand proudly in support of tax cuts for the middle class. It’s part of our agenda.”

He’s also expected to call on Congress to make sure American troops abroad get what they need, and say that America must continue to support those around the world who oppose terrorism and promote freedom, to keep America safe.

With his legacy in mind President Bush will also ask Congress to maintain troops in Iraq, and extend no child left behind programs, and discuss the importance of a mid-east peace initiative. But given his lame duck status, no one expects any big new proposals.

ABC News will have live coverage of State of the Union address, and the Democratic response, beginning at 9 p.m. eastern tonight.