One of the nation's top political analysts, Stuart Rothenberg, dissects politics at the congressional and statewide levels.

Stuart Rothenberg: George W. Bush's State of the Union

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President George W. Bush issued a personal and national declaration of war against "the axis of evil" Tuesday night in his State of the Union address to the American people. Given the president's comments, it seems only a matter of time before the United States - with or without its allies - opens up a second front against terrorism.

The president's speech was directed both to the American public and to the international community in a speech that was divided into three parts.

Part I was a 17-minute assessment of the war in Afghanistan and against international terrorism, and it included a chilling statement that "tens of thousands of trained terrorists are still at large."

Mr. Bush issued a clear warning to terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and to nations that "sponsor terrorism," such as North Korea, Iran and Iraq, that the United States would not stand by idly while our country and our allies were threatened.

"It is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom's fight," said the president, whose comments were probably uncompromising enough to evoke feelings of concern not only among America's enemies but also some of its friends.

Part II was a 20-minute domestic policy speech long on themes and general ideas but short on details.

Mr. Bush began his comments on the economy and domestic policy by calling for bipartisanship in Washington, D.C., and he complimented two GOP legislators and two Democrats (including Sen. Ted Kennedy) for working with him on education issues. His comments were wise, since polls show that voters want America's political leaders to avoid petty partisan differences and political maneuvering.

The president acknowledged the economy's weakness and emphasized his goal of creating new jobs. But he really did not remind viewers about what he has already done to try to jump-start the economy, and he could have been more detailed about additional efforts to boost growth and employment.

From there, Mr. Bush switched to other domestic policy issues, to education, energy, health care, retirement issues, and welfare reform. But his treatment of these matters was generally cursory, sometimes merely mentioning a topic (such as "farm policy" and a "cleaner environment"). His mention of pensions and corporate responsibility was wise, since it places him on the side of stockholders and employees, not Enron executives.

Mr. Bush touched on issues of interest to many Democrats - such as when he committed his administration to working for early childhood programs, teacher training, energy conservation, a patients bill of rights and safeguards for retirement plans. But, on these kinds of matters, "the devil is in the details," and the president avoided details in every instance.

Mr. Bush never mentioned abortion, school choice or the drilling in the Arctic.

Part III of the speech lasted about 11 minutes. It brought viewers back to the subject of terrorism, and to how Americans can participate in a new phase of civic activity.

Mr. Bush's speech was at its most stirring when he talked about seven universal principles worth defending, from the rule of law, private property and religious tolerance to free speech and equal justice. And he reiterated that the United States cannot walk away from a fight of fundamental values. "Evil is real," said the president, "and it must be opposed."

The president's call for people to volunteer for more service, both within the nation and internationally, probably resonated with liberals and conservatives, both of whom have decried materialism and isolationism.

Mr. Bush used his speech to lay the groundwork for future steps to combat terrorism. But he'll need to do more, both around the world and within his own country, to mobilize support for a wider war.

Domestically, the president must continue to emphasize bipartisanship and the economy. But as we move toward November, there will be more and pressure on both parties to allow politics to trump bipartisanship.

A Note to Readers: This is my last column for CNN.com. I thank you for reading my analysis, and for taking the time to react to my observations - even if you didn't agree with me.