Obama State Of The Union Speech 2011(VIDEO)

Tonight I want to begin by congratulating the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, John Boehner. And as we mark this occasion, we are also mindful of the empty chair in this Chamber, and pray for the health of our colleague – and our friend – Gabby Giffords.

Obama State Of The Union Speech Video

It’s no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that’s a good thing. That’s what a robust democracy demands. That’s what helps set us apart as a nation.

But there’s a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause. Amid all the noise and passions and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater – something more consequential than party or political preference.

We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfilled.

Obama Tucson Speech: President Barack Obama Is Back

Per sources, the president worked throughout the night on the speech. Its goal will be to administer to those mourning, honor those impacted by the shootings – including the victims, the heroes, and all those grieving in Tucson and beyond. Another goal will be to lift the nation up in this moment, not sully it with politics, thus shrinking what this moment stands for.

Most recent guidance is the speech will run between 10-15 minutes.

Three branches of the federal government will travel with President Obama on Air Force One to Tucson today: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who was Arizona’s governor, Attorney General Eric Holder, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, and from the legislative branch Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., along with the Republican members of Arizona’s US House delegation: Reps. Paul Gosar, Jeff Flake, Trent Franks, Ben Quayle, and Dave Schweikert.

For more on the speech read our blog yesterday or Karen Travers’ story this morning on how Presidents have dealt with times of tragedy.

Watch our GMA report here:

It may always be remembered for the unexpected news he delivered --- "Gabby opened her eyes for the first time" --- but here's a key line: "If this tragedy prompts reflection and debate, as it should, let’s make sure it’s worthy of those we have lost. Let’s make sure it’s not on the usual plane of politics and point scoring and pettiness that drifts away with the next news cycle. The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives, to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents.

"And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let’s remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy, it didn't, but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The cheers in the Tucson auditorium, filled with University of Arizona college students, jarred me at first. When Obama took the lectern, his tone somber, it was even annoying to hear the pep-rally like cheers start at his paused. But as his speech turned more hopeful, personalizing the lives of the victims and tying them to the goodness of the American character, the setting was fitting. We have pre-conceived notions of what a "memorial" speech should be, particularly from a politician.

Instead, Obama delivered something different, more spiritual speech that related to lives fulfilled with families and friends rather than material accomplishment, politics or policy. In so doing he tapped into the collective reaction to shooting victims, missed in so much of the debate, and the debate over the debate, afterward. He said, "We recognize our own mortality and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this Earth, what matters is not wealth or status or power or fame -- but rather, how well we have loved and what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy