Bookmark this site for an uncluttered view of ABC’s coverage of the State of the Union. Comment below.

President Obama is poised to present the first State of the Union address since re-election. For a live stream and live blog coverage, follow the WSN team throughout the night as we bring you the issues you care about.

We can expect the president to reinforce his stance on gay and women’s rights, climate change, immigration and education. But will he also take time to address tough issues like government spending cuts, U.S. policy in the Middle East, and national security? Will he continue to push Congress to pass tighter gun legislation and have something new to say about strengthening the economy and creating jobs for the middle class? Comment below on what issues matter most to you.

Update 9:12 p.m.

President Obama makes his way to the center stage.

Update 9:16 p.m.

President Obama thanks Congress, prepares to give speech.

Update 9:18 p.m.

First topic: The economy.

“The state of our union is stronger.” Obama recaps progress of previous term: end to war in Iraq, six million new jobs, American car industry revival, healing housing market.

Obama to turn focus to the middle class.

“It is our generation’s task, then, to reignite the true engine of America’s economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class.”

Recognizes bipartisan effort to reduce deficit by $2.5 trillion.

Obama stresses need for wealthiest Americans to contribute more. “We can’t ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the entire burden of deficit reduction while asking nothing more from the wealthiest and most powerful.”

Obama plans to come down harder on wealthy tax evaders. “To hit the rest of our deficit reduction target, we should do what leaders in both parties have already suggested, and save hundreds of billions of dollars by getting rid of tax loopholes and deductions for the well-off and well-connected.”

Obama calls on Congress to reform the tax code. Continues to stress bipartisan cooperation: “That’s what we can do together … Let’s set party interests aside.”

Obama says plans for job growth will not add more to the deficit. “It’s not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth.”

Update 9:33 p.m.

Obama stresses need for new centers for high-tech project to bring back jobs to the United States.

“If we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in the best ideas.”

Update 9:34 p.m.

Topic 2: Energy and climate change.

Obama recalls accomplishments on oil: more oil independence, more gas mileage, focus on renewable energy.

“We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence.”

Obama ties renewable energy investments with job growth.

“So tonight, I propose we use some of our oil and gas revenues to fund an Energy Security Trust that will drive new research and technology to shift our cars and trucks off oil for good.”

Obama challenges America to cut wasteful energy use in half.

Update 9:39 p.m.

Obama proposes “Fix It First” program to fix 70,000 deteriorating bridges to add jobs.

Update 9:43 p.m.

Topic 3: Education.

Obama emphasizes importance of pre-school education.

“Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.”

Obama uses New York City as a model for technical education.

“At schools like P-Tech in Brooklyn, a collaboration between New York Public Schools, the City University of New York, and IBM, students will graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in computers or engineering.”

Obama introduces new program, emphasizing STEM programs in high schools.

Obama calls on universities to keep down the cost of education.

“And tomorrow, my Administration will release a new “College Scorecard” that parents and students can use to compare schools based on a simple criteria: where you can get the most bang for your educational buck.”

Update 9:47 p.m.

Topic 4: Immigration.

Obama’s plans for illegal immigration reform:
– Stronger border security
– Background checks
– Paying taxes
– Learning English

Obama’s plans for legal immigration reform:
– Cut waiting periods
– Reduce bureaucracy
– Attract highly skilled entrepreneurs and engineers

Update 9:50 p.m.

Topic 5: Women’s rights.

“We know our economy is stronger when our wives, mothers, and daughters can live their lives free from discrimination in the workplace, and free from the fear of domestic violence.”

Topic 6: Poverty.

Obama suggests raising federal minimum wage to $9 minimum.

“Here’s an idea that Governor Romney and I actually agreed on last year: let’s tie the minimum wage to the cost of living, so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on.”

Obama stresses importance of equal opportunity. “America is not a place where chance of birth or circumstance should decide our destiny.”

Update 9:54 p.m.

Topic 7: Foreign policy.

“America will complete its mission in Afghanistan, and achieve our objective of defeating the core of al Qaeda.”

Obama announces that he will bring home 34,000 American troops over the next year.

Obama outlines plans for an independent Afghanistan. “Training and equipping Afghan forces so that the country does not again slip into chaos, and counter-terrorism efforts that allow us to pursue the remnants of al Qaeda and their affiliates.”

The president declares we need to expand help to other Middle Eastern countries: Yemen, Libya, and Somalia.

Obama hints at move towards more transparency in government efforts abroad.

Update 9:59 p.m.

American efforts will go toward reducing threats of nuclear weapons in North Korea.

“At the same time, we will engage Russia to seek further reductions in our nuclear arsenals, and continue leading the global effort to secure nuclear materials that could fall into the wrong hands – because our ability to influence others depends on our willingness to lead.”

Update 10:01 p.m.

Topic 8: National security.

New executive order will strengthen U.S. cyber defenses.

Topic 9: America in the global sphere.

“In defense of freedom, we will remain the anchor of strong alliances from the Americas to Africa; from Europe to Asia.”

Obama explicitly declares alliance to Israel. “And we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a lasting peace.”

Obama declares U.S. military supremacy. “As long as I’m Commander-in-Chief, we will do whatever we must to protect those who serve their country abroad, and we will maintain the best military in the world.”

Update 10:07 p.m.

Topic 10: Voting rights.

Obama plans to make voting easier and more convenient for Americans to strengthen democracy.

Topic 11: Gun control.

According to the president, the Newtown shooting has brought Americans together on common sense reforms.

Obama uses pathos to support argument for gun control, citing the story of a young girl who was a victim of a shooting and recent incidents of gun violence.

Update 10:14 p.m.

Obama concludes his address. He underlines the commonalities among American citizens, despite differences.

“It remains the task of us all, as citizens of these United States, to be the authors of the next great chapter in our American story.”