Obama Focuses on Economic Growth in State of the Union Address

President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening held an optimistic tone as the Commander-in-Chief told Americans that the worst of the economic crisis is over.

Delivering his state of the union for his fourth-quarter presidency, Obama discussed the economic gains the U.S. has made in the past six years, as well as the economic achievements he hopes to make before his term ends in 2016.

"America, for all that we've endured; for all the grit and hard work required to come back; for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: The shadow of crisis has passed," the president said while speaking on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

The president was able to draw applause from both Republicans and Democrats in the chamber, taking on a lighter note when he told the audience "I have no more campaigns to run."

While this comment drew applause from the Republican side of the hall, Obama's next comment drew applause from the democrats when he added: "I know, 'cause I won both of 'em."

The president went on to focus heavily on economic growth, saying that "tonight, we turn a page" in the U.S. economy. Obama took office in 2008 in the face of America's worst economic recession.

"Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes and chances for everyone who makes the effort?" the president questioned.

Obama added that the U.S. has experienced its "fastest economic growth in over a decade," concluding: "The verdict is clear. Middle-class economics works."