State of the Union address seeks to frame 2016 race

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address tonight will unmistakably attempt to frame the choice facing Americans as they select his successor, doling out an optimistic vision of the country’s future in contrast with what he sees as the pessimism that’s pervasive in the Republican primary.

Obama won’t directly appeal for Americans to keep the Democratic Party in the White House for a third-straight term. And he won’t endorse a specific candidate in the 2016 race.

But he will outline domestic and international priorities that build on steps he’s taken during his two terms in office, a vision certain to be more in line with Hillary Clinton and other Democrats than the GOP presidential candidates.

“He feels very optimistic about this future,” White House chief of staff Denis McDonough said.