Penn State's Political Science Association and other students gathered to view President Bush's State of the Union address in front of the TV on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center. About 60 students were present, and the room often erupted with conversation, applause and even laughter.

Courtney Sones, co-coordinator of Alumni Affairs for the Political Science Association, said she thinks it is important for college students to listen to the State of the Union Address.

"Politics affects everyone, whether you're a political science major or a biology major," Sones (sophomore-nursing) said. "These decisions affect everyone in our country."

The speech opened with Bush honoring the accomplishments of the recently deceased Coretta Scott King.

As predicted, Bush's speech focused on plans to reform health care and to make insurance coverage more available.

In addition, Bush expressed his desire to reduce American dependence on foreign energy sources. He promoted advancing the use of solar power and other energy technologies, such as pollution-free fuels and fuels made from trash, ethanol and corn.

Sones also said she thinks it is necessary for the United States to develop better fuel technology.

"It's important that we aren't held hostage to other countries and that we have our own sources," she said.

Bush declared the United States would win the war against terrorism, adding that pulling out of Iraq soon would have negative consequences.

Brad Spencer (sophomore-finance) said he agrees. Despite having a good friend killed while serving in Iraq, he said he believes that pulling out troops now would be disastrous.

"I have yet to meet people who have served in Iraq say anything negative about what we're doing there," Spencer said.

The president also addressed Iran's nuclear weapons plans. Bush said it was important for the international community to send the message that an Iranian nuclear weapons program would not be tolerated.

Temi Adeyeye (senior- industrial engineering) said he thinks Bush's address was better this year than last and had fewer mistakes.

"Bush hit people on emotional appeals and got his agenda across while making other people happy," Adeyeye said.

Heidi Lynch (senior-international politics and German) said she had doubts that the president's speech would result in action.

"The speech has lots of big ideas, but I don't know how many will come to reality," Lynch, secretary of the Political Science Association, said.

Political Science Association President Megan Becker (senior-international politics) said she was happy with student interest in the speech.

"People talk about students not caring, but we have a good turnout every year," Becker said.

In February, Bush is scheduled to deliver four major policy speeches, further outlining his agenda for 2006.