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National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling on why manufacturing and jobs will be a focus of the President’s State of the Union address.
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From -- -- politics back to our -- top story today just -- few hours President Obama will deliver his State of the Union Address it's his third and final before the 2012 election.
So what should we expect from the president -- Gene Sperling is director of the national economic output.
He joins us now.
Live from the White House came before anything else I wanna I wanna tie when with the apple never -- are unbelievable.
Numbers.
And it plays into something -- Jamie Dimon told us earlier in the day which is that this economy.
Really is being underestimated the little by economists it could end up growing between three and 4% this year do you agree.
A man from your mouth -- that God's ears I guess.
Look I think here.
-- you've seen some improvement obviously.
Dropping unemployment rate lower -- claim she's seen the manufacturing in the new orders looked a little better so of course it's nice it's good to see.
Some positive signs but we -- coming back.
From the worst recession since the great depression and you're still at eight and a half percent unemployment it's just not good enough it's not fast enough and that's why you know what.
We're still focused number one on the economy on jobs both in terms of what we can do to inject demand like at the payroll tax cut.
But also some of the things the presence going to be talking about tonight about manufacturing.
And about giving people the skills to encourage more location.
Here on our shores lower energy costs.
These are the types of things the press will be talking about tonight he's will be very tangible.
You know bipartisan.
Ideas about how to strengthen our -- The things that really can be the pillars of strengthening.
Our economy for the middle class -- type of middle class jobs we need here on our shores.
So the president expected to speak largely on what he calls a fair share.
A economy so -- focus on higher taxes for the wealthy tax is big headlines today of course with Mitt Romney releasing his.
Tax returns.
In addition to or maybe as opposed it -- growing heal the economy.
Well I think when you -- you watch the president's speech tonight I'm pretty familiar with that.
You're gonna see him coming now really talking fundamentally about things like manufacturing.
NY.
You know we believe the manufacturing punches well above its weight in the economy.
78%.
Private sector R&D comes from manufacturing 90% of patents he's gonna make it very strong case.
-- he's heard from both CEOs and labor leaders that America.
May be at its most competitive.
Level in 2030 years in terms of creating.
Attracting jobs here he's gonna talk about the things we can do in terms of manufacturing.
In terms of partnerships between private sector employers and Community Colleges in meeting the skills we need to meet.
As a country what we can do.
In terms of of of energy.
To lower costs for people producing jobs here creating jobs making us more energy independent.
That's going to be the -- but president is gonna talk also about what he believes is that is the fundamental values of fairness and also the responsibility that those who have done.
The best in our economy.
Help invest in the in the future for so that more people can succeed.
And the we can be a stronger more productive economy that.
Lives up to that dream of of a stronger and inclusive and always growing middle class.
Dean is he gonna be talking about this this is the moment of truth the this Simpson -- report he commissioned the committee.
Hasn't picked up on watch that's in this report will he tonight.
Well I think that the president has been.
-- single.
Leader.
In calling for a balanced approach and he is asked both sides to compromise.
Do hard choices no sacred cows that I was always -- a combination of both revenues and entitlement reform.
And and lower grades and getting rid of deductions which is what the basis the heart of that does Simpson -- tax policy -- talk about that.
-- the the the heart of the Simpson bold strategy was actually.
A balanced deficit reduction plan to actually raise revenues by lowering tax rates and getting -- deductions and and and cut spending.
And that kind of balance is what the president.
Is the sport and of course he has been and make clear that he is for.
Lowering expenditures through rates but it's gotta be a way that's fiscally responsible when you put out the buffer role it's also got to be in a way that we don't allow those who.
Are able to shape -- -- com or partnering come other places to pay lower rates than the most well off to pay lower rates than hardworking middle income families that's just basic fairness.
That is the behind the whole -- of -- progressive tax system.
That that is pro growth but also ask people to be part of investing in fiscal discipline and investing in the future.
Gene Sperling director of the National Economic Council good luck tonight Jeanne thank you very much.
Thank you.
