President Obama's State of the Union Speech: What to expect

[BirminghamExaminer]

Excerpt:

President Obama will speak to the nation tonight at 9:00 Eastern time. The Washington Post is reporting that he will ask for an end to 'Don't ask, don't tell.' The policy, put into place under the Clinton administration forbids people in the military from asking or telling about their sexuality or gender preference. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/01/obama-will-ask-in-state-of-uni.html?wpisrc=newsletter

The 'don't ask, don't tell' law has cost the military in terms of qualified active duty officers over the intervening years.

In an email to supporters this afternoon, David Axelrod wrote about what can be expected in the President's first State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress:

"The President will clearly articulate the steps we need to take to continue to rebuild our economy and jumpstart private sector job creation. He’ll talk directly to you about restoring security for middle class families after a lost decade of declining household income, eroding retirement security and escalating health and tuition costs. And he’ll detail his efforts not only to better protect you and the American people at large, but also to restore America’s alliances and standing in the world.

[tblue]

1. Does he really need to "ask" for an end to DADT?

Can't he just do it? Or at the very least a moratorium on the firings until he gets whoever's permission?

He's the president. He has a lot more power than I think he realizes.