A few highlights of the President’s speech to Congress and the American people, January 27:

“Engagement that advances the common security and prosperity of all people.” Obama said his administration has worked and will work with other nations in partnership to strengthen education, combat climate change, fight HIV/AIDS and grow the economy.

“We will reward good governance, work to reduce corruption, and support the rights of all Afghans.” Obama said that while the United States will continue to help the people of Afghanistan and Iraq, he is commitment to withdrawing all combat troops soon.

“Jobs must be our number-one focus in 2010.” The administration has helped 2 million people find jobs, Obama said, but more are needed, which is why he is asking Congress to pass a bill that would provide incentives for small businesses to hire more workers.

“I do not accept second place for the United States of America.” Other nations are putting more emphasis on math and science and strengthening their infrastructure, Obama said, and the United States needs to do the same to compete with these countries.

“The nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy.” Whatever your beliefs are about climate change, providing incentives for energy-efficiency is good economic sense, the president said. Obama is also seeking more investments in clean-coal technologies and bio fuels.

“The best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education.” The president called for tax incentives and other financial assistance to make higher-education more affordable.

“I didn’t choose to tackle this issue to get some legislative victory under my belt.” Obama acknowledged setbacks in getting health care reform legislation passed through Congress, but he continues to keep trying.

“None of these reforms will even happen if we don’t also reform how we work with one another.” This comment was directed to members of Congress. Political disagreements have long been a part of American history, Obama said. But what frustrates citizens today is politics of personal attacks and refusals to cooperate with politicians on the other side of the aisle. Obama said he would continue to try to change the tone of politics.

“I never suggested that change would be easy.” Many around the world remember the president’s 2008 campaign slogan, “change you can believe in.” A year into office, the president still faces many of the same obstacles his predecessor had. Change stirs up passions and controversies, Obama said, reflecting on a year in which some of his legislative proposals have received push back not only from Congress, but from the American people. But Americans have never been afraid of doing something that was hard, and neither is he, the president said.

Do you have any favorite moments from the State of the Union speech?