Ohio State expert can discuss "State of the Union" speech

When President Bush delivers the annual "State of the Union" speech tonight, he is expected to outline plans for a number of topics, including the economy and the conflict with Iraq.

Bert Rockman, professor and director of the School of Public Policy and Management at Ohio State, is available to talk with reporters about tonight’s address. Rockman, who is also a professor of political science, said President Bush faces "one of the biggest tests of his presidency" tonight. He also expects Bush to discuss a Medicare drug plan.

Rockman is available today between noon and 1:45 p.m. and tomorrow after 12:30 p.m. in his office at 300E Fisher Hall, 2100 Neil Avenue; (614) 292-1916. He will also be available tonight after 7:30 p.m. at (614) 263-4122.

Rockman has research and teaching interests in the study of leadership, (including the U.S. presidency), executive politics, political institutions, and bureaucracy. He is co-author (with Joel D. Aberbach) of the book In the Web of Politics: Three Decades of the US Federal Executive (The Brookings Institution Press, 2000). He also co-edited the book The Clinton Legacy (Chatham House Publishers, 2000).