WASHINGTON - For many Americans who continue to struggle to find work, the state of the union is still uncertain.

In Tuesday's address, President Barack Obama is expected to try and nurse those worries by building on a speech for the middle class that he delivered last month in Osawatomie, Kan.

The speech was modeled after words delivered there more than 100 years ago by former President Theodore Roosevelt.

"This is a make or break moment for the middle class, and for all those who are fighting to get into the middle class," Obama said in the Dec. 6 speech.

"Because what's at stake is whether this will be a country where working people can earn enough to raise a family, build a modest savings, own a home, secure their retirement," he said.

For the State of the Union address, the president will likely lay out plans to create jobs for the duration of his term.

White House aides added that Obama will focus on a new era of American manufacturing, an energy strategy focused on alternative energy and homegrown fuel, and his education plan that trains workers for the jobs that are available now.

"My principled focus, my number one focus is going to be making sure that we are competitive, that we are growing, and we are creating jobs -- not just now, but well into the future," Obama said earlier Tuesday in a video to supporters.

A theme of "fairness" and stressing that all Americans get a "fair shot," but also pay a "fair share" is also expected.

Republican opponents say that's code for tax hikes on the rich, the people GOP lawmakers say create jobs.

"The state of our union is that people are scared, that we spend too much money, and that the president's economic policies have failed," Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wy., said.

Because this is an election year, the State of the Union could give President Obama a chance to woo voters with his vision for a second term.

But Republicans say now is not the time for campaigning.

"People are nervous and scared about the future," Rep. Harold Rogers, R-Ky., said. "And I'd like to see him reassure us that he's going to stay away from politics and deal with the nation's severe problems."

The State of the Union address takes place Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET. Watch the speech at CBNNews.com and get live blog updates and analysis.