Real leadership won’t be found in a speech

He could emphasize that without serious reform to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and defense spending, the nation faces an unsustainable fiscal future — and then follow that point with real action to lead the way on reform. And he could illustrate how getting the debt and deficit under control would help to reduce the government’s hold on the economy, thereby allowing for economic growth and job creation.

Would the American people welcome that kind of straight talk? I believe they would. According to recent polling conducted on behalf of Public Notice, the organization I head, voters would like to hear the president focus more on jobs and the economy, rather than additional spending.

Meanwhile, more than half — 56 percent — believe the federal government does more to hurt than help the economy, and they’d like less intervention when it comes to spending and regulations.

The fact is, meaningful change in the way our nation does business is simply not going to be found in any presidential speech or proclamation. True change will require real courage and vision, with our nation’s leaders working together to get real results.

So when the president speaks on Tuesday, let’s all enjoy the pomp and circumstance, and let’s celebrate the fact that we share a common history and common values as Americans, and let’s appreciate an evening of civil discourse and, yes, even disagreement. But just remember that what he promises in that laundry list of a speech is mostly empty promises.

And the opportunity for real leadership will have to wait for another day.

Gretchen Hamel is executive director of Public Notice, an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit dedicated to providing facts and insight on the economy and how government policy affects Americans’ financial well-being.