President Joe Biden will have a significant opportunity to articulate to the American people why he merits another four years in office when he delivers the annual State of the Union address on Thursday.
Biden enters the annual address buoyed by a strong performance on Super Tuesday, setting the stage for a potential rematch with former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. The State of the Union marks the unofficial start of the general election campaign, with both frontrunners having geared up over the past months after securing their primary positions.
Despite Biden’s momentum from a smooth primary season, his reelection bid faces challenges from voters and within his own party. Concerns about his age, frustration over inflation, perceived unfulfilled promises, and his handling of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have sparked resistance.
Activists nationwide have initiated protest campaigns against Biden’s candidacy, urging voters in some states to cast “uncommitted” ballots or write in alternative candidates due to dissatisfaction with his Gaza war management, which has resulted in over 30,000 Palestinian casualties. Notably, Minnesota and Michigan saw a notable portion of primary voters opting for “uncommitted,” yet Biden still secured significant victories.
Thursday night’s speech presents an opportunity for him to articulate his vision for the nation’s future to both the public and a Congress known for its contentiousness and historical lack of productivity.
The speech is occurring later than its usual January schedule, which strategically aligns with a politically advantageous time for Biden to present his case, particularly as the field for their parties’ nominations has further narrowed.
Although viewership of the president’s speeches has declined over the past decade, it remains a highly visible event that millions of Americans are likely to catch at least snippets of.
Aaron Kall, the director of debate at the University of Michigan, emphasized the significance of this speech, suggesting it may be Biden’s last opportunity to address such a large audience given uncertainties surrounding future debates. Biden has been at Camp David in Maryland, along with his staff and advisors, preparing for the speech over the past several days.
When asked about the upcoming speech, Biden informed reporters on Tuesday, “You’ll hear me on Thursday.”
While the White House has not disclosed the contents of his address, it is anticipated that Biden will touch upon various topics, including job creation, economic strength, policy proposals for the upcoming year and beyond, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, relations with China, immigration, and abortion. The only revealed special guest is Kate Cox, a Texas woman who faced challenges accessing abortion services due to strict state regulations, despite health risks associated with her pregnancy.
Biden may also address the contentious and historically unproductive Congress, which is on the brink of a deadline to fund the federal government. Lawmakers managed to avert a partial shutdown during the State of the Union address by implementing a one-week stopgap measure set to expire on Friday.
The White House has encountered opposition from the Republican-controlled House regarding bipartisan Senate bills aimed at providing military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as introducing new funding and restrictions concerning the border. President Biden and the Democrats have emphasized these issues as the upcoming general election looms.
During the 2022 State of the Union address, President Biden faced disruptions from Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. He may encounter similar interruptions this year, given the narrow GOP majority, which has impeached his Secretary of Homeland Security and is actively pursuing inquiries against him. Last year, President Biden was also interrupted while discussing Social Security and Medicare, accusing Republicans of attempting to cut these popular entitlement programs.
According to Kall, addressing the nation during these speeches poses challenges as President Biden aims to connect with both the congressional audience, whose support is crucial for passing key legislation, and the millions watching from home. It’s essential to ensure that his message resonates effectively with both groups, delivering a well-packaged presentation that garners support and understanding.
Biden faces the challenge of appearing vigorous and in control during his speech, especially as voters question his stamina and mental fitness for another term. A recent survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that over 60% of Americans lack confidence in Biden’s mental capabilities as president. His tendency for slip-ups and gaffes has intensified scrutiny, particularly given concerns about his age. Despite being cleared of criminal charges regarding classified documents, doubts persist about his memory, overshadowing his accomplishments. Ray La Raja, a political science professor and UMass poll co-director, emphasizes the importance of Biden exuding strength and confidence on stage to convey success.
Concerns about President Biden’s mental fitness are shared by voters across party lines, though Democrats tend to express more trust in his cognitive abilities and confidence in his leadership. Additionally, Biden faces the challenge of uniting skeptical factions within the Democratic Party regarding his potential for a second term, while also navigating towards a more moderate political agenda to attract voters in the general election. Independents and moderate voters represent a pivotal voting bloc in the upcoming election, particularly in key swing states that were narrowly divided in the 2020 election.
It is probable that President Biden will continue to emphasize the bipartisan accomplishments achieved since the start of his presidency, particularly as they begin to yield results through various projects and improvements stemming from the chips and infrastructure bills. Biden consistently urges Congress to collaborate across party lines to pass legislation addressing key themes of the upcoming election, such as immigration, the economy, and safeguarding American democracy.
According to La Raja, Biden faces the challenge of striking a balance: he must showcase his vigor to undecided Democrats by highlighting his achievements that resonate with them, while also pivoting towards the center to appeal to a broader audience.
Following Biden’s speech, Republicans will offer a rebuttal, presenting their party’s vision for guiding the nation into the future. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama will deliver the GOP response. Additionally, there is a possibility that former President Donald Trump will respond to Biden’s speech, given the nearing prospect of their electoral rematch.
Read More: A Look at the Biden and Trump 2024 Showdown
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