The White House announced Friday that President Barack Obama will travel to Omaha, Nebraska and Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the days following his final State of the Union address, both cities he has not yet visited as President.
During the trip, Obama plans to talk about the economic progress both states have made under his administration and discuss the agenda for the rest of his term.
The President’s decision to engage with communities in traditionally Republican states after his final State of the Union is part of an effort by his administration to fend off lame-duck status and stay politically relevant, particularly as the spotlight shifts to the raucous campaign unfolding to replace him.
On Wednesday, the White House released a clip of Obama in a video trailer previewing his speech to Congress.
In the teaser, first posted on Chief of Staff Denis McDonough’s new Twitter account, the President expressed optimism for the upcoming year.
Senior administration officials have said that the President will deliver a “non-traditional” speech this year, and as evidenced by this video teaser.
Obama will deliver his final State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.