More than 50 volunteers with Organizing for America (OFA) gathered at St. Nick’s Pub for a viewing party of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Speech Tuesday. OFA held dozens of similar viewing parties across California, including two others in Los Angeles. Volunteers discussed the president’s agenda to strengthen the middle class, continue the economic recovery and improve the tone of civil discourse. The speech also drew reaction from local legislators.

photo by Rafael Guerrero

“President Obama laid out a clear and consistent vision for the country this evening,” said John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles), speaker of the state assembly. “The President made an eloquent and thoughtful call for our country to come together and solve our problems, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans and I hope every member of Congress takes that message to heart.”

Congresswoman Karen Bass also gave the president’s speech positive reviews.

“President Obama’s blueprint for winning the future is made possible because we aggressively stabilized the present and prevented a recession from turning into a depression,” Bass said. “To win the future we must not repeat past mistakes that put Wall Street first and Main Street last. Working families and the underserved are shouldering the burden of this economic pain and recovery must run through the streets of our communities.”