Needless to say, I ultimately came to the obvious conclusion that anytime one has the opportunity to listen to the President of the United States outline a proposal for strengthening the economy there should be absolutely NO debate. In outlining his proposal to encourage the growth of small businesses in this country, I was relieved to learn more about the tax incentives he proposed. I was particularly intrigued by the idea of suspending the capital gains tax for funds invested in small businesses. Of course, as a student of political science and public policy, a Town Hall-style speech always leaves me thirsty for more details. However, I do appreciate the opportunity this format provides for American citizens to ask our President some hard and deeply personal questions on topics ranging from health care for families like ours living with chronic illness to how we are going to reduce the national deficit.

President Obama did briefly mention funding for the NIH and the need to advance medical research. Of course, I am always desperate to hear more emphasis on this particular issue. As Elle’s mother, I do not think I will ever be satisfied that enough attention is being directed to this particular issue. As an American, it is hard to imagine that some of this country’s best and brightest scientists, engineers and researchers are living abroad because greater access to resources for this type of research is available in places like the U.K. At the end of the day, I am grateful to be living in a place where protestors and supporters can come together to hear our President outline his vision for how to move our country forward.

To read the full transcript, click here.