State Of The Union: Not Same Old Stuff

The White House says President Bush's State of the Union speech next week will not be the typical laundry list of issues.

Press Secretary Tony Snow says the speech will instead focus on five key areas: the war on terror, energy, health care, immigration and education.

Though Iraq will play a role, Snow would not say if that subject will dominate the speech. He declared, "It's going to be dominated by sound policy."

Those looking for more specific proposals from the president may have to wait until after the speech, Snow said.

"It's not going to take a comprehensive look at all portions of the budget," he said. "There will be areas that do not get extensive discussion that will be followed in other speeches and events the president delivers in days after the speech."

Aides say the president is reviewing early drafts of the Tuesday night address.

But Snow says Bush doesn't want to deliver a speech that goes "on and on."

Snow acknowledges the tighter focus may stem from the fact that this will be Bush's first speech to a Congress under Democratic control — and he intends to emphasize areas in which both parties can work together.