State Of The Union Live Blog: Updates From Obama's 2015 SOTU Address

10:13 p.m. EST - "God bless this country we love." And that's a wrap. No mention of Charlie Hebdo attack. Nothing about ISIS or Boko Haram. That doesn't mean Obama stuck to domestic policy. Here's what Obama said about Cuba: "In Cuba, we are ending a policy that was long past its expiration date. When what you’re doing doesn’t work for fifty years, it’s time to try something new." And Russia: "We’re upholding the principle that bigger nations can’t bully the small – by opposing Russian aggression, supporting Ukraine’s democracy, and reassuring our NATO allies. Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanctions along with our allies, some suggested that Mr. Putin’s aggression was a masterful display of strategy and strength. Well, today, it is America that stands strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated, with its economy in tatters."

10: 08 p.m. EST - Young and in Love in America trending after Obama line: "Seven years ago, Rebekah and Ben Erler of Minneapolis were newlyweds. She waited tables. He worked construction. Their first child, Jack, was on the way. They were young and in love in America, and it doesn’t get much better than that."

10: 01 p.m. EST - Serious moment, no clapping: Looking to the future instead of the past. Making sure we match our power with diplomacy, and use force wisely. Building coalitions to meet new challenges and opportunities. Leading – always – with the example of our values. That’s what makes us exceptional. That’s what keeps us strong. And that’s why we must keep striving to hold ourselves to the highest of standards – our own.

On a lighter note: Check out this guy's face.

9:35 p.m. EST - Lawmakers yelling "yeah" as Obama announces: "So to every CEO in America, let me repeat: If you want somebody who’s going to get the job done, hire a veteran."

9: 31 p.m. EST - Funny photos time:

9: 21 p.m. EST - Cue the clapping: "Every three weeks, we bring online as much solar power as we did in all of 2008. And thanks to lower gas prices and higher fuel standards, the typical family this year should save about $750 at the pump."

Also, Obama is not wearing tan. Sorry, Twitter.

9:14 p.m. EST - Obama starts by praising the troops: "Tonight, for the first time since 9/11, our combat mission in Afghanistan is over. Six years ago, nearly 180,000 American troops served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, fewer than 15,000 remain. And we salute the courage and sacrifice of every man and woman in this 9/11 Generation who has served to keep us safe. We are humbled and grateful for your service."

9:05 p.m. EST - The State of the Union address will be about 6,493 words according to the prepared text. That's roughly 285 words shorter than last year’s SOTU, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Some reaction to release of prepared text:

8:58 p.m. EST - Here's the full text of the speech. Michelle Obama just walked in and received standing ovation. Same for Obama's cabinet members, including Secretary of State John Kerry.

Also, this:

8:47 p.m. EST - Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is scheduled to give the GOP response to President Barack Obama’s sixth State of the Union address Tuesday night. Watch the live stream after Obama's speech here. In the meantime, here are some of the best Twitter memes and images about Ernst tonight so far:

8: 42 p.m. EST - The White State State of the Union live stream is running a feature on presidents with beards. There's also a countdown. Roughly 18 more minutes to go!

8: 27 p.m. EST -

8:25 p.m. EST - This exists: https://twitter.com/emojibama

8:20 p.m. EST - Malik Bryant, a 13-year-old from one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, Englewood, didn’t wish for an iPhone or a shiny new video game system from Santa. “All I ask for is for safety I just wanna be safe,” the seventh-grader wrote through a program overseen by a local charity, according to Chicago ABC affiliate WLS. The head of the charity thought the letter was so stirring that she passed it on to the White House, a move that resulted in Malik's invitation to be a special guest at the State of the Union address on Tuesday. Learn more about Malik here.

8:15 p.m. EST - With all eyes on the country’s capitol Tuesday, Washington’s local watering holes will be filled with D.C. staffers, political wonks and interns gathering to watch Obama give his annual State of the Union address. Here are five places to catch the address in the capitol.

8:10 p.m. EST - A White House official confirms Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has been designated as the Cabinet member who will not attend the State of the Union address this evening.

Also, the White House made a funny:

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President Barack Obama was poised Tuesday to deliver his sixth State of the Union address amid improving public approval ratings and growing international tensions over terrorism, the global economy and Russia's involvement in Ukraine. Obama's speech was largely expected to focus on domestic affairs, including the president's recent proposals to provide free community college to certain students, extend legal benefits to millions of illegal immigrants, raise taxes on the wealthy and improve relations with Cuba. Obama also is expected to address the ongoing U.S. military campaign in Syria and Iraq against the Islamic State militant group.

Obama's speech comes nearly three months after Democrats lost the Senate and House to GOP lawmakers, making this the first year the president will give the speech to a Republican-controlled Congress. The loss has seemingly emboldened Obama. He has called for raising $320 billion over the next decade in new taxes targeting wealthy individuals, among other policies opposed by Republican leaders.

“What we hope to hear tonight is an emphasis on things we can agree on,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. He called for a speech "that brings us together and doesn’t push us apart," according to the Washington Post.

But White House officials have said the State of the Union is not aimed at Republican lawmakers. “Some of them are going to be legislative proposals Republicans may not love, but we’ll push them,” White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” He emphasized that the administration would use “every lever we can — whether it’s with Congress, on our own or using the bully pulpit.”

The White House live stream of the State of the Union address will feature “live data, graphics and charts that explain the issue and policies that [Obama will] be discussing in the speech,” the administration said. Obama was scheduled to begin talking at 9 p.m. EST.

International Business Times will live blog the State of the Union address with frequent updates before, during and after the speech. To get ready for one of the political world's biggest nights, read up on our coverage of the speech below:

Check out seven of the best SOTU bingo cards from around the Web here.

Learn why lawmakers will hold up yellow pencils to honor the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris here.

Read about Obama's foreign policy issues here.

What you should know about Obama's tax plan.

Turn the State of the Union into a drinking game with this guide.

A look at how Obama can still shape his legacy with a GOP-controlled Congress.