Pundits from all across the political spectrum are likely busily predicting today that President Obama needs to give the "speech of his life" tonight to resurrect his faltering agenda and to regain momentum after a series of political and policy defeats. I disagree. The State of the Union is largely a symbolic speech and unless there are obvious gaffs, he'll get passing marks from the politicians who line Statutory Hall outside the House chamber even before the speech concludes to give their spin on his performance.

Instead, here's my Wednesday morning State of the Union advice to President Obama: No matter what happens tonight, you'll get hearty applause from the packed chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. Indeed, the political chattering class will congratulate you after the speech on a job well done. But tonight isn't really what matters: The State of the Union is akin to an energy stop during a long political marathon – it's the grueling race ahead that you need to focus on tomorrow morning.

So, what should President Obama say tonight to get the job done tomorrow? Here are the five points I would suggest he include:

1. It's still all about jobs and the economy. Unemployment remains at 10% -- an alarming number that his own economic advisors couldn't even predict. This administration must work swiftly with Congress to keep the Bush tax cuts in place and work creatively to help small businesses create jobs. Americans are paying attention: they know that the $787 billion so-called "stimulus bill" that Congress passed last year didn't create anything other than token jobs and more debt. So stop the spending. And we also know that during difficult economic times, citizens want you to focus on the basics that will improve the economy. Until we still a sustained drop in unemployment occurs as well as a rise in other leading economic indicators, forget about tackling health care reform, global warming, or any of the other less-important issues that your administration has been immersed in during this past year. We. Need. Jobs.

2. Forget about satisfying your political party. Instead, seek economic solutions that will help promote the good of the country and protect our citizens. Too much time, attention and political good will has been spent during the past year on some of the most divisive issues facing this country including closing the prison in Guantanamo Bay, a startlingly and divisive issue especially in light of increased threat of domestic terrorist attacks. Focus on what really matters: keeping our country safe and promoting prosperity so that the "rising tide" of American prosperity lifts us all.

3. Govern like you campaigned: you campaigned as a moderate consensus seeker. Consensus means passing bills with more than one (or in the most recent case zero) Republican votes. We remain a center-right nation. Democrats negotiating with Democrats behind closed doors is not what you promised. Like it or not, the electorate expect you to work well with others and that means working with Republicans to achieve bi-partisan solutions. Americans understand that your party in Congress can do what they want without any Republican support. The last three major elections and your diminishing support in public opinion polls should tell you a lot about the mood of this country. We don't like single party domination, especially when they attempt to cram unpopular ideas down our throats. Americans didn't vote in overwhelming numbers for a hard-line liberal president. Instead, they voted for a moderate candidate who promised hope and change. Remember that the next time Speaker Pelosi asks you to sign a bill that received no Republican votes in Congress.

4. And while you're at it, stop blaming others for the difficult tasks facing this country. It's getting old hearing that every problem facing this country was created by President Bush. And frankly, it's not helpful. Instead of focusing on blame and shame, focus on creative, bi-partisan solutions. That's what we elected you to do.

5. And finally, it would be incredibly refreshing after your tumultuous first year in office to have a more thoughtful and less frenetic year ahead. Instead of hurriedly passing major legislation, let's restore some civility and due-process to Washington. In this 21st Century, let's have a more thoughtful and drawn-out discussion on the issues that confront our nation. No one political party has all the answers – seek input, encourage honest debate and listen to average Americans.

That's my advice. I'll tune in tonight to see if he's listening.