President Joe Biden delivered a spirited State of the Union address on Thursday, taking direct aim at former President Donald Trump and outlining the core themes of his upcoming re-election campaign.
In a speech that lasted over an hour, Biden repeatedly referred to Trump as “my predecessor,” accusing him of failing in his duty to care for the American people, particularly during the Covid pandemic. He criticized Trump’s handling of foreign policy, immigration, and the Capitol riot, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership.
The atmosphere in the House chamber was charged, with Democrats cheering loudly and some Republicans heckling. Biden’s address, more reminiscent of a political convention than a traditional State of the Union, reflected the high stakes of the upcoming election.
Biden’s aggressive approach was seen as necessary, given his age and the challenges his administration has faced. At 81, he is the oldest president in US history and has been plagued by questions about his mental acuity. Despite this, he engaged energetically with the audience, responding to hecklers and delivering sharp retorts.
One notable exchange occurred on the topic of immigration, where Biden stumbled after being challenged by a Republican congresswoman. He called for bipartisan support for immigration legislation but faced criticism for his use of the term “illegal” to describe undocumented immigrants.
Throughout the speech, Biden sought to highlight his administration’s accomplishments and lay out a vision for the future. He emphasized the strength of the US economy under his leadership and proposed new initiatives to support middle-class Americans, including tax credits for homebuyers and expanded healthcare coverage.
On foreign policy, Biden addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and announcing plans for the US to construct a temporary seaport to deliver humanitarian aid. He criticized Israel for civilian casualties and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting innocent lives.