President Joe Biden delivered a fiery State of the Union speech on Thursday, taking aim at his predecessor, Donald Trump, and outlining his campaign priorities for the upcoming November elections.
In a speech that lasted over an hour, Biden referred to Trump as “my predecessor” 13 times, criticizing his handling of the Covid pandemic, his stance on Russia and NATO, and his role in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The atmosphere in the House chamber was tense, with Democrats applauding and Republicans booing at various points throughout the speech. Biden’s aggressive tone can be seen as an attempt to set the tone for his re-election campaign, as he seeks to draw clear battle lines against Trump.
Biden also addressed immigration, abortion, the economy, and the ongoing war in Gaza during his speech. He highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, emphasizing the economic recovery and proposing new initiatives such as a tax credit for homebuyers and expanded prescription drug coverage.
However, Biden faced a setback when discussing immigration, as he stumbled over a response to Republican criticism. He also addressed the situation in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and criticizing Israel for civilian casualties.
Overall, Biden’s speech was well-received by his supporters, who see it as a strong start to his re-election campaign. The content of the speech is likely to guide his campaign strategy moving forward, as he seeks to win over voters and secure another term in office.