Obama pushes for jobs

(NBCNC) - Working Americans, specifically those in manufacturing, have President Obama's attention today.

He's in Asheville, North Carolina, visiting an expanding engine and transmission parts supplier.

Last night the president called job creation his "north star".

During the State of the Union the president called on Congress to raise the minimum wage,
help homeowners refinance, promote early education and create jobs by promoting energy and manufacturing.

First, he said, Congress has to agree on a balanced budget that cuts the deficit.

Republicans say the spending needs to stop.

Tomorrow the president heads to a town just outside of Atlanta, and Friday he'll be in Chicago.

The latest Washington Post Poll shows just over half of Americans have a favorable opinion of the policies he's pursuing.