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New interactive discussion to follow State of the Union address

When President Barack Obama addresses the nation at 9 p.m. Tuesday, it will mark the beginning of more interactive viewing of the State of the Union addresses.

The White House will be offering more ways to view and discuss the president's speech.

Citizen Response allows users to highlight parts of the speech, share them with friends and tell the president their views on certain issues.

Immediately following the speech, a panel discussion will be broadcast on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU. The panel will address what Obama said during his speech and will allow viewers to submit questions using #WHChat or posting to the Google+ page.

For those who are unable to watch the speech on television, the White House is offering a live stream on its website.

The stream is also available on iPhone, iPod, Android mobile apps. If viewers do not own a smartphone or smart device, they can access the live stream on Facebook, YouTube, Google+,Hulu or Ustream.

Michael Martinez, chair of the department of political science at the University of Florida, said the address is important for the president because with mid-term elections looming, time is precious.

He said it's important for the president to effectively outline his plan on controversial issues including immigration policy, economy stimulation and gun control.

"I think this State of the Union becomes important in kind of laying out the agenda for what he actually thinks he might accomplish in this term," Martinez said.

Lauren is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Casey is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.