Biden State of the Union 2024: Key Takeaways from a Passionate Address.

Biden State of the Union 2024- Biden took advantage of the grandeur and formality of the yearly occasion to set the stage for his upcoming showdown with Donald Trump.

President Biden strategically chose a nationally televised speech before a joint session of Congress as the platform to launch his final campaign. By leveraging the significance of his annual State of the Union address and the extensive media attention it garners, he skillfully framed the upcoming general election as a critical battle against his predecessor, former President Donald Trump.

In this high-stakes clash, the President emphasized the importance of reproductive rights, America’s global standing, the future of the middle class, and the very integrity of U.S. democracy. Drawing from his own life experiences, President Biden expressed his commitment to embracing freedom and democracy, while upholding the core values that define America: honesty, decency, dignity, and equality.

He emphasized the need to respect everyone, provide equal opportunities, and eradicate hate from society. In contrast, he acknowledged that some individuals of his generation perceive a different narrative characterized by resentment, revenge, and retribution, but he firmly stated that it does not align with his vision for the nation.

Addressing the matter of age.

The reference to age, including the comparison to others who have lived just as long, was significant. Trump, at 77 years old, is only four years younger than Biden, who is 81.

However, it is Trump, the current president, who has experienced a decline in his approval rating to historically low levels due to concerns about his energy and whether he has enough stamina to lead the country for a second term that would end a few months after his 86th birthday.

Consequently, Biden’s State of the Union address during the election year took on a greater significance than the usual recitation of policy proposals and patriotic applause lines. It became a crucial and high-profile opportunity for an 81-year-old man who has dedicated his entire adult life to politics and now seeks four more years to complete the job.

Strong in style – without any disruptive lapses in memory.

Upon entering the House Chamber, Biden took over eight minutes to make his way to the lectern. His white hair appeared thinner than before, and his movements seemed more rigid.

However, once the president began speaking, he sounded like the same familiar Biden from his time in the Senate and as Obama’s vice president.

While there were a few slip-ups in his speech, Biden, who overcame a childhood stutter, has never been known for his eloquence.

Overall, his speech delivery, along with his demeanor, was assertive, straightforward, and at times confrontational.

An Intense Strategy.

On average, 56% of Americans disapprove of Biden’s performance in office, while only 38% approve. These figures have remained relatively stable over the years, despite the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, the enactment of ambitious legislation, and the continuous improvement of the U.S. economy. Analysts have suggested that Biden’s age, and the perception that he is not fully in control of his presidency, is a significant factor in this.

However, the majority of Americans do not have the opportunity to see Biden up close and personal. He does not engage in many interviews, making the State of the Union address one of the clearest opportunities for the public to observe him.

During the address, Biden’s responses were not in line with the caricature often portrayed in cable news or by political opponents. His quick-witted remarks, such as joking about Obamacare and tax cuts, were aimed at dispelling the notion that he is unfit for the job due to his age. In both his words and delivery, Biden sought to convey that his experience and capabilities are stronger than ever before.

“I may not look it, but I’ve been around a while,” Biden quipped, emphasizing that with age comes wisdom and clarity.

Biden did not hesitate to bring up his ‘predecessor’.

The State of the Union address is not a campaign speech; it is a constitutional duty of the president. Typically, presidents running for reelection do not spend much time discussing their competitors.

However, Biden took a different approach, emphasizing the uniqueness of this election.

According to Biden, “Not since President Lincoln and the Civil War have freedom and democracy been under assault here at home as they are today. My predecessor and some of you here seek to bury the truth of January 6th. I will not do that. … You can’t love your country only when you win.”

Throughout his speech, Biden repeatedly referred to “my predecessor” to highlight the threats he believes America will face if Trump wins in November. He mentioned issues such as bowing down to Russia, restricting abortion rights, and demonizing immigrants.

At one point, Democrats in the chamber chanted, “Four more years! Four more years!”

This approach is undeniably political and carries the risk of backlash. However, the White House sees it as a way to clarify the choice that voters will have on Election Day.

An economy driven by populist principles.

The speech covered a wide range of policy topics, leaving no issue untouched. Biden mentioned everything from guaranteeing the right to IVF nationwide to restoring Roe v. Wade as the law of the land. He also emphasized the importance of passing a bipartisan bill for border security reforms and demanding a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The list of issues discussed seemed endless.

However, the economy remains the key domestic issue that has defined Biden’s presidency thus far and will likely play a crucial role in his chances of reelection. Economists are pointing out that joblessness is at an all-time low, inflation has cooled down, and GDP is experiencing rapid growth. Contrary to predictions, a recession seems increasingly unlikely, and people from all walks of life are earning, spending, and saving more money than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, recent polls indicate that the majority of Americans hold a negative view of the current state of the U.S. economy. President Biden made an attempt to change their perception during his speech on Thursday night. He presented various statistics to argue that although he inherited an economy on the verge of collapse, it has now become the envy of the world.

Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that a president’s ability to sway public opinion on economic matters is limited, particularly when everyday expenses like groceries remain expensive. Recognizing this, Biden shifted his focus to a populist approach, outlining his plans for the future. These plans include raising taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, utilizing the generated funds to support working-class families, reduce the deficit, and implementing stricter regulations on corporations engaged in price gouging or deceptive pricing across various sectors such as food, healthcare, and housing.

Biden emphasized his personal background, growing up in a household where financial stability was not easily achieved. He expressed his determination to reverse this trend, ensuring that the middle class thrives, the impoverished have opportunities for upward mobility, and the wealthy continue to prosper. In an effort to drive his message home, Biden even engaged in call-and-response theatrics with his audience, questioning the fairness of the tax code and the necessity of further tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations.

The President’s speech aimed to address the concerns of the American people regarding the economy and present his plans for a more equitable future. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to change the prevailing negative sentiment among the majority of Americans.

Read More: Remarks of President Joe Biden — State of the Union Address As Prepared for Delivery.