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Penn Students React To State Of The Union

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Students at a State of the Union viewing party on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania expressed their thoughts about President Barak Obama's speech.

"I think the president struck a great tone between standing up for what he believes in and what he supports and standing up for compromise."

What did they think were the most pressing issues addressed?

"Talking about the Green Act resonated a lot with us here. I'm glad that it's back on the agenda."

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(credit: Getty Images)

(Reporter: "I noticed education got a big round of applause -- so did the topic of gays in the military.")

"Right, right.  Penn has a great LGBT community here.  We do a lot to stick up for LGBT rights."

"I really, really think that cutting down government size is really important so I was excited to hear about it."

What did students like best about his speech?

"It was very bipartisan, not a lot of strong rhetoric and I think in the wake of the Tucson tragedy it was very easy for people to come together."

What did they like least?

"I think that his goal of having a million electric cars running by 2015 is not practical."

Students also noticed the president's use of humor.

"I don't know like what the numbers are for jokes in state of the union addresses but that salmon bit stuck out."

During his address, the president made light of the fact that the Interior Department oversees salmon in fresh water and Commerce handles salmon in saltwater. And, he added, "I hear it gets even more complicated once they're smoked."

Reported by Hadas Kuznits, KYW Newsradio

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