President Obama discusses job creation, the deficit: Liveblog

By GottaLaff

President Obama is speaking, previewing the State of the Union address... I am liveblogging:

The American Dream: If you work hard, you can get ahead, health care, secure retirement, an education... Simple ideas, at the heart of our middle class that made the 20th century the American century. Middle class has been under assault for a long time.

We just went through a difficult decade.

We took office to fight for the middle class. Not just survival, but thrive. To rebuild it on a new stronger foundation for job creation... Invested in areas with most potential for job growth.

We saved/created 2 million jobs so far. But more than 7 million have been lost due to recession. Demands a relentless, sustained response. Creating jobs is the single most important thing to do to rebuild the middle class.

But also must reverse overall erosion in middle class security... so that dreams can be pursued again.

Proposals: Make it easier to retire, to get ahead, to educate... make college more affordable, make it easier to pay off loans... save thru the workplace.... We'll keep fighting for middle class families... better jobs, financial reforms, health reform...

These steps won't solve all middle class problems, but will reestablish some of the security that's been lost. Not about how markets are doing, it's about how Americans are doing.

Above all, keep fighting to renew American dream.... for all time.

He'll seek an increase in child tax credit, too, per Biden.