DeKALB | DeKalb residents on both sides of the party line stopped fighting for a minute to watch television Tuesday night.

President George W. Bush’s 2007 State of the Union speech addressed the economy, the No Child Left Behind Act, health care, immigration, energy, the war in Iraq and aiding Africa.

Bush acknowledged the divided government and uncertainty in the air.

“I liked that he emphasized that Congress has changed, but not the responsibilities,” said Donald Merwin, former DeKalb County chairman for the Republican Party.

Bush focused on balancing the federal budget and eliminating the federal deficit within five years. He also asked Congress to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, amid controversy over the educational policy.

“Teachers across the country think NCLB is a failure,” said Kevin Malone, president of the NIU College Democrats.

Bush also mentioned alternate energy sources to take hold in the near future, and the need to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Bush spoke on the possibility of creating a temporary worker program for illegal immigrants. Bush also urged Congress to give the new Iraq strategy a chance, and said America must not fail in Iraq.

Some Democratic viewers felt the speech did not address major issues at home.

“His domestic focus was lacking,” Malone said. “His only real focus seems to be covering his mistakes.”

Others said Bush’s plans transcended party lines to ensure he would not lose his rapport with the Democratic Congress.

“He seems to be pushing a more Democratic agenda,” said Edith Nunez, treasurer of the College Democrats. “Since it’s his last two years, he needs to have more appeal.”

Many Republicans are happy with Bush’s plans for the next two years, and were satisfied with the president’s speech.

“I liked the strong theme of America,” said Aaron Funfsinn, member of the NIU College Republicans. “It’s important at this time.”

Funfsinn was also glad to see Bush addressed Iraq and the prevention of further terrorist attacks.

“I like that he said we need to solve problems, not leave them for future generations,” Merwin said.