Biden’s State of the Union Address Sets Focus on Contrasting with Trump and Addressing Fitness Concerns
President Joe Biden is poised to deliver his final State of the Union address before the upcoming U.S. election, focusing on distinguishing his economic policies from those of Donald Trump and addressing concerns about his age and the Gaza conflict.
The annual address, a constitutional requirement for the president to report to Congress “from time to time,” will take place at 9 p.m. ET before a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as a televised audience.
This speech serves as a critical platform for Biden to reach millions of voters who are deciding between him, Republican challenger Trump, or abstaining from voting in the November 5 election. Nikki Haley, Trump’s last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, withdrew from the race on Wednesday.
Opinion polls indicate a close race between Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, with many American voters lukewarm about a potential rematch after Biden’s victory over Trump four years ago.
Although Biden may refrain from mentioning Trump by name, he will use this opportunity to reassure voters that he is committed to safeguarding democracy from the former president’s influence.
Biden is expected to address the threats facing democracy, including attacks on women’s reproductive rights and voting rights, and emphasize his plans to protect these fundamental liberties.
He will also introduce new tax proposals aimed at increasing taxes for wealthy Americans and corporations, along with measures to reduce housing costs and offer tax credits for first-time homebuyers.
Biden’s White House spokesperson highlighted his commitment to addressing current challenges and emphasized the need for continued progress in areas like infrastructure and technology.
Trump, in anticipation of the speech, criticized Biden for avoiding accountability for the challenges facing the country during his tenure.
GAZA INITIATIVE
Biden is expected to address liberal voters’ discontent with his support for Israel’s actions in Gaza following recent attacks. During the speech, he will announce plans for the U.S. military to establish a port on Gaza’s coast to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery by sea.
Certain Democratic lawmakers will wear ceasefire pins to show their support for ending the Gaza conflict. Additionally, Biden will advocate for an aid package to provide weapons to Ukraine and assistance to Israel, despite resistance from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Notable guests invited to the speech, including Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and individuals impacted by reproductive rights issues, reflect Biden’s key priorities for his administration.
Biden released a pre-speech video featuring actors who have portrayed American presidents in films, emphasizing the importance of hope and progress in Biden’s message.
Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama will deliver the party’s formal response to the speech, while Trump plans to offer a live response online during Biden’s address.
COMPARISONS WITH TRUMP
The U.S. economy has outperformed many other high-income countries, with strong job growth and consumer spending. Despite this, Republican voters express dissatisfaction with the economy, and polls indicate that Americans generally view Trump more favorably on economic issues.
Biden’s reelection campaign aims to highlight the challenges and aftermath of Trump’s presidency to contrast with Biden’s vision for the country’s future.
Biden’s physical and mental acuity will be closely observed during the speech in light of concerns about his capacity for a second term. He is expected to speak for at least an hour, utilizing a teleprompter for guidance.
The speech is an opportunity for Biden to dispel doubts about his age and demonstrate his leadership capabilities amidst a potentially contentious audience of Trump loyalists in Congress.
Thomson/Reuters. © 2024. All rights reserved.
