As with all politicians you have to watch what the hand is actually doing while the mouth is speaking, it's usually in your pocket lifting your wallet.
I think the common thread in the speech is that 10%+ unemployment is here to stay. His handlers want him to get out in front of that issue, holding out hope for a job in government driven programs like a national version of BART. Backing illegals is going to get tougher the longer unemployment stays high.