President Joe Biden delivered a passionate and combative State of the Union address on Thursday night, highlighting the contrasts between himself and his predecessor, Donald Trump, while making a case for a second term. In his speech, Biden criticized Trump for promoting “resentment, revenge, and retribution” and for undermining freedom both at home and abroad.
Throughout his 68-minute address, Biden took aim at Republican policies on immigration, taxes, and more. He invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats and relished in the fight. Seeking to dispel doubts about his age and job performance, Biden declared that his lifetime of experience has taught him to embrace core American values such as honesty, decency, dignity, and equality.
The president linked Trump’s praise for those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, with threats to democracy abroad. He called on Congress to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion and emphasized the importance of standing up for freedom and democracy.
Biden also addressed the Jan. 6th insurrection directly, condemning those who seek to bury the truth about that day. He stressed that loving one’s country should not be conditional on winning elections.
The State of the Union address is a momentous occasion for presidents to address lawmakers and viewers at home. Biden used this opportunity to showcase his vigor and command, aiming to prove his doubters wrong. He engaged in spirited back-and-forth exchanges with lawmakers on issues such as tax policy and access to abortion.
Biden highlighted his legislative accomplishments, including funding to bolster computer chip manufacturing nationwide. He took a dig at Republicans who voted against these policies but still took credit for them in their districts.
The address also provided a platform for Republicans to offer a rebuttal. Senator Katie Britt, the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate, presented a contrasting vision of a nation slipping away and emphasized the importance of secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense.
Former President Trump responded to the speech in real-time, criticizing Biden’s tone and calling it an “embarrassment” to the country.
This year, Biden faced heightened emotions from his base supporters over his support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. He urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza while reaffirming its right to defend itself. The address was marked by symbols of solidarity on both sides, with some wearing pins and stickers for Israeli hostages and House progressives wearing Palestinian keffiyehs.
Immigration was another contentious issue during the night. The GOP-controlled House has refused to act on Senate-passed aid legislation, demanding stricter measures to limit migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Biden addressed this issue and faced interruptions from some audience members, to which he responded, “I know you know how to read.”
Access to abortion and fertility treatments also featured prominently in Biden’s speech. He called on lawmakers to guarantee the right to in vitro fertilization nationwide, recognizing a guest whose IVF treatments were canceled due to a controversial ruling in Alabama. Another guest, Kate Cox, shared her experience of leaving Texas to obtain an emergency abortion after a severe fetal anomaly was detected.
Overall, Biden’s State of the Union address was marked by a fiery and defiant tone as he sought to highlight the contrasts between his administration and the previous one. He aimed to dispel doubts about his age and performance while making a case for a second term based on his experience and the values he holds dear.
