Obama to call for an economy 'built to last' in State of the Union

President Obama will use his State of the Union address Tuesday night to call for economic equality based on “responsibility from everybody” to create a sound economy "built to last."

Seeking to expand his message of populism and his call for the wealthy to pay higher taxes, Obama will portray economic equality as a return to American values and the “defining issue of our time.”

"Let's never forget: Million of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day, deserve a government and a financial system that does the same," Obama is expected to say, according to excerpts from his prepared remarks. "It's time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: no bailouts, no handouts, and no cop-outs.

"Think about the America within our reach: a country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs,” Obama will say, according to the excerpts.“A future where we're in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren't so tired to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded."

A seemingly combative president will also issue a stern warning to Congress: that he will go it alone if they refuse to act.

"As long as I'm president, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum," Obama is expected to say. "But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis."

—This story was updated at 6:51 p.m.

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