Obama says long term economic growth focus of key address

unemployment rate still above 9 per cent.

Obama sent an online video to supporters Saturday afternoon previewing the State of the Union, saying the nation's recovery has been progressing but more needs to be done to get the economy back on track.

'My principle focus, my number one focus, is going to be making sure that we are competitive, that we are growing and that we are creating jobs. Not just now, but well into the future,' Obama said.

Finding ways to rein in the ballooning deficit will also be a key focus of the speech, Obama said.

Obama's Democrats suffered major losses in November elections, largely because of voter frustration over the state of the economy. Obama will be trying to reverse the Republican momentum during the State of the Union address. dpa mm Author: Mike McCarthy