Obama’s First Campaign Speech of the Year

First Read: “Not only is this President Obama’s final State of the Union address; also think of it as his first campaign speech of 2016 — and certainly not the last one. Yes, Obama will talk policy, list his achievements, and discuss what still needs to be done. But tonight’s 9:00 pm ET speech from Capitol Hill will give him the opportunity to lay down a political marker on the 2016 contest.”

“The challenge for Obama in 2016 is that he and his party have fared much better when he’s on the ballot (see 2008, 2012) than when he’s not (2010, 2014). Now one explanation why has been turnout; Obama’s Democratic coalition has shown up in presidential contests and not in midterms. But as Obama plays a supporting role in 2016, it’s worth noting that the president’s speech tonight probably won’t cause heartburn for, say, Hillary Clinton — since they’re pretty much on the same page when it comes to the issues.”

Wonk Wire: Does Obama have the right to brag tonight?