Obama Opens Up On Shortcomings, Haley Takes Aim At Frontrunners

In an otherwise optimistic State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Barack Obama spoke candidly about the polarization of American politics and his own inability to find compromise.

“I have no doubt a president with the gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide,” he said.

In her GOP response, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley took aim at “the siren call of the angriest voices,” which she confirmed this morning was pointed at Donald Trump, among others.

NPR White House Correspondent Scott Horsley talks with Here & Now‘s Robin Young about these moments.

• Read or watch the State of the Union address
• Read or watch the Republican response

Guest

• Scott Horsley, NPR White House correspondent. He tweets @HorsleyScott.

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