What Is the State of the Union?

Patch will be live-blogging tonight's State of the Union speech by President Barack Obama, and we'll be bringing you insights from your neighbors from across the political spectrum.

Patch will go live at 7 p.m. to start the discussion. Coverage of the speech itself will start at 9.

Please join us. And in the meantime, we'd like to ask you to tell us what you think. What is the State of the Union today compared with a year ago or four years ago?

As a bonus, the White House has offered to answer a few questions submitted by Patch users across the nation after tonight's speech. We don't know who in the administration will speak, but it's a great opportunity to take your question right to Washington without leaving home.

The result will look something like this video of first lady Michelle Obama answering a fitness question.

To submit your question, post it in the comments below with your real name, the town where you live and, if you'd like, your Twitter handle.

We'll consider questions posted only AFTER the president finishes his speech. You have until 11 a.m. Wednesday to post your question.