Villanova University political science professors are available for media interviews following last night's State of the Union address.

Matthew Kerbel, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science offers the following initial thoughts: "You can think of the State of the Union address in the context of the times. One speech will not change the partisan divisions in congress. But this is an even-numbered year, and you can see the speech as the opening salvo of the 2014 campaign. Upbeat and aggressive, Obama spoke to what is good about America while criticizing Congress for standing in the way of progress. It was designed to inspire people after a downbeat political year and rally the faithful in advance of the midterm elections."

John Johannes, PhD, Professor of Political Science says: "It was another laundry list of programs lacking in specifics. The tone walked the line between "let's work together" and "I'll do it myself." It's obvious why a growing number of observers and pundits dread these speeches.

I saw little that was new and less that was specific. But at least the members of Congress got their exercise with all their jumping to their feet, George Washington would be embarrassed!"