Social media highlights 4 points from State of the Union address


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WASHINGTON D.C. — From "Mad Men" references to Healthcare jokes, social media buzzed during President Obama's fifth State of the Union on Tuesday.

According to KSL's poll drawing from Facebook, Twitter and ksl.com, healthcare and employment were the top priorities for Utahns followed by income inequality, immigration, and gun control. The president addressed all of those the issues Tuesday night.

Many people turned to social media to discuss their reactions to the address, and here were the top four most discussed topics:

"Mad Men" reference

According to Twitter, the moment that elicited the most reaction was the president's reference to the popular AMC show, "Mad Men", and income inequality for men and women.

"It's time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a "Mad Men" episode," Obama said. "This year, let's all come together — Congress, the White House, and businesses from Wall Street to Main Street — to give every woman the opportunity she deserves."

Sgt. Cory Remsburg

One of the most emotional moments of the night occurred when Obama shared the story of Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg. In Afganistan for his 10th deployment, Remsburg was injured in a roadside-bomb blast. As a result, he was in a coma for three months, leaving him partially paralyzed and with brain damage.

Obama said that Remsburg is growing stronger, through the support of his family. And like the Army he loves and the country he serves, Remsburg never gives up, and he does not quit, Obama said.

"My fellow Americans, men and women like Cory remind us that America has never come easy," Obama said.

Remsburg was in the audience as a guest of First Lady Michelle Obama and his story elicited a standing ovation. His name quickly became a national trending topic on Twitter.

Minimum Wage

Obama said he is determined to make this a year of action, and that he would do so with or without the support of Congress.

"America does not stand still — and neither will I," Obama said. "So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do."

Obama announced during the address that he would issue an executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contract workers from $7.25 an hour to $10.10.

Healthcare

When Obama brought up his signature healthcare law, speaking on preexisting conditions and the bumpy rollout, he garnered laughs and applause for a joke.

"One last point on financial security. For decades, few things exposed hard-working families to economic hardship more than a broken health care system," he said. "And in case you haven't heard, we're in the process of fixing that."

The subject of Obamacare is clearly set to stay divisive in the election year.

What did you like or dislike about the State of the Union address? Let us know on the comment boards or on Twitter.

Remsburg tweet:

President Obama: "On his 10th deployment, Cory was nearly killed by a massive roadside bomb in Afghanistan." #SOTUpic.twitter.com/CU29om1WRb — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 29, 2014

Poll results:

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UtahPolitics
Natalie Wardel and Richard Piatt

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