What to expect from the State of the Union

>>> i want to bring? senator john bur ratso. there's a lot going on the hill, but first a chance to react to the resignation of pope benedict .

>> well, you make a wonderful point as we discussed, because of course the pope is infallible in these issues, but i think so much was generated at the time of pope john paul ii 's ilniz. and i think it's much more important to have a vital individual there to carry on as pope, so i think the pope made what i think will now be a precedent-setting decision.

>> i think there's no doubt in that. with the advances in medical technology , if they could continue to essentially live out their lives as pope. so somebody we'll be discussing in the coming days. i want to switch gears and talk about the state of the union . glen rush from politico writing that it will be less of a olive branch . if that's the strategy, what do you think of it? do you think it's the time what most americans seen -- the time is right for the president to push hard?

>> well, you know, they always ask the question, the state of the union is, fill in the blank. i think the state of the union is strong, but the state of economy is weak. we have too many people looking for jobs and too many people who have given up looking for jobs. he never menned -- so let's get together, put people back to work. he can approve the pipeline and the other is to approve free trade with europe.

>> as you know, there are reports that that indeed will be happening. there is a new poll out, senator, from quinnipiac that shows more voters trust the president that is republicans in congress to handle the economy. in fact, according to that poll, they trust him more on every single issue -- the deficit, health care , gun policy, foreign policy , does he have the upper hand?

>> i think that the people are looking for results. they're not seeing it now. we have young people graduating from college who -- and the president talks a lot about education. they could find jobs -- i think this is about his tenth time that he's quote pivoting to the economy, and to jobs, but this is like a broken record. he says it, and then goes off to other things. the inaugural address was about climate change, immigration, gun control , gale rights. he ignored the major issue on the minds of the american people , which is jobs and the economy.

>> you're not suggesting you think he's going to do that tomorrow?

>> i'm hoping he does. i'll have an editorial calling for him to focus on jobs, things he can do to get back to work, but not more borrowing from china and spending. the government doesn't do a very good job of doing that effectively or efficiently. we need people back to work in this country and the president continues to take his eye off that ball and focusing on just about everything than jobs and the commit.

>> the senate has a number of jobs, one of which is to vote on the president's candidates. lindsey graham has just said he will lock the nomination.

>> i plan to vote against chuck hagel . anyone who has watched his testimony saw testimony that was weak and wobbly and can't feel great confidence in chuck hagel in the role as secretary of defense. when you look at his long history and statements he continueses to crack dict himself.

>> do you believe he'll be conformed?

>> we are looking for more information. we have suggested that a number of additional speech that is we want to read that he's given, sources of income we want to delve into, and we're still looking for that information.

>> do you agree with critics who say it is unprecedented the kind of information you have been asking for, that no nominee previously has been asked to provide the depth and breadth of the information you are requesting?

>> this is somebody who will be advising the president of the united states on using force, sending troops to war. it's important that the second tear of defense by something fully vetted. i have significant questions and i want to make sure the american people get to know for sure. i believe he is not the right choice.

>> senator john into razzo, thank you for taking the time.