Poll: What is the State of the U.S. Compared with a Year Ago?

Area Democrats and supporters of President Barack Obama's reelection are planning gatherings to watch this year's State of the Union Address, which will be broadcast at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Among the events is one in Sammamish. Its host, Patricia Smith, said this about the event on the website:

"In the past, President Obama's State of the Union address has been a plan for the year ahead -- and the priorities outlined in those speeches have led to many of this administration's accomplishments. We're getting together in our neighborhood to watch the 2012 State of the Union Address, celebrate our work so far, and to plan out the next couple of months in our area."

If you'd like to attend a State of the Union Party, RSVP via the link above. Another, more formal organizing meeting for local Democrats is also being organized for the end of the month at the Sammamish Library; you can get details on that event here.

Meanwhile, King County Republicans , March 3.

Election issues aside, we thought it would be a good time to ask you your opinion on the State of the Union over the past year. Take our poll and share your opinion in the comments section below.