Joe Biden leads as disunion remains strong and present
President Biden delivered what might be his final State of the Union address on Thursday.
Historically, presidents have used this address to emphasize the unity of all Americans in our shared values and interests. However, Biden’s speech seemed to exacerbate our divisions rather than bring us together.
While much of the rhetoric was similar to what we’ve heard before, it was delivered with increased intensity.
Biden once again portrayed his opponents as threats to democracy itself, a theme he has repeated in previous speeches.
As with his speeches in Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Biden chose a backdrop of unity to highlight and exploit our divisions, a move that was well-received by many in the media.
The president took aim at Trump, the Supreme Court, and compared his political adversaries to the threat posed by Hitler during World War II.
Following the speech, MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace praised it, describing it as “a punch in the face to every Republican in the room.”
She continued to express her admiration for the speech, calling it “a punch in the nose” and asserting that “everybody knows this is a great speech.”
However, I disagree.
While Biden’s delivery was powerful, the content of his speech fell short of what a State of the Union address should be. It lacked unity and instead focused on attacking his political opponents.
He criticized his adversaries numerous times and even appeared to lash out at the Supreme Court justices present during his address.
By revisiting the themes of his infamous Philadelphia speech and portraying his opponents as existential threats to the nation, Biden failed to deliver a unifying message.
The absence of the ominous red backdrop made this speech even more chilling in its different setting.
The State of the Union is meant to be an address where the president outlines the national interest, not just his own political interests.
Some Republicans in attendance disrupted the event by heckling and shouting at the president, behavior that should not be tolerated at such a significant event.
The Decline of Civility
While one guest was removed and arrested for disrupting the proceedings, some members continued to treat the State of the Union as an opportunity for partisan outbursts.
The media’s focus on the excitement surrounding the rage and recriminations overshadowed the excessive partisanship and questionable factual claims made in Biden’s speech.
This moment lost the decorum and respect that were once hallmarks of such occasions.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a precedent when she ripped up former President Donald Trump‘s address, an action that undermined the civility and restraint in politics.
The media’s response to Biden’s speech, praising it while ignoring its divisive nature, reflects a shift in what was once a moment of unity and decorum.
The question remains: will the public demand better from its leaders, or will we continue down a path of division and conflict?
Jonathan Turley is an attorney and professor at George Washington University Law School.
