Ferris State Professor Previews State of the Union Address - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Ferris State Professor Previews State of the Union Address

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By Kyle Mitchell, Reporter - email

While a lot will be addressed in the State of the Union tonight, local experts say the economy remains the number one issue for both parties.

President Obama is expected to announce a major draw down of troops in Afghanistan over the next year. Immigration reform and how the president will implement his healthcare plan will also likely be major issues. Ferris State University experts say the president's response to a recent North Korean nuclear test will be crucial to American foreign policy in the region.

"That's an important dynamic you never know what's going to happen next because that is having an impact on South Korea, one of our closet allies," said Dr. Rick Griffin.

The president will need to reach across the aisle to make his plans become a reality.

Kyle Mitchell and Photojournalist Jacob Johnson have more on what is expected from tonight's State of the Union speech.