[Politics/economic]President Biden's 2024 State of the Union address

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Key takeaways from President Joe Biden's State of the Union address

President Joe Biden delivered a raucous third State of the Union address that could be among his most important speeches as he seeks reelection. His list of objectives was long: Tout his accomplishments in office, look ahead to a second-term agenda, allay concerns about his age and fitness, and provide a contrast with Republicans, including his rival Donald Trump. Here are some of the key takeaways: Biden takes on Trump: Biden may not have uttered his predecessor’s name during his remarks, but there was little question that former President Trump was at the center of the State of the Union, making his speech one of the most politically tinged yearly addresses in recent memory. After starting with attacks right out of the gate, a pattern emerged as the speech went on: on abortion, immigration, taxes and more, Biden repeatedly contrasted with Trump. Unpredictable address: State of the Union speeches are often staid affairs, with predictable lists of policies and proposals. But Biden frequently veered off script to ad-lib lines. The casual jousts with Republicans — over their plans on taxes, Social Security, and immigration — lent the president energy. Biden seemed to have built the moments into his speech after last year’s address, when his back-and-forth with Republicans in the crowd emerged as a standout moment. Biden energetic and forceful over age concerns: Questions over Biden’s age and fitness for office have become a principal backdrop to the presidential campaign. Apart from the substance of his speech, how he spoke and looked were important factors in how Americans absorbed his message. The president came out fired up and gave an energetic speech that was a far cry from some of his more subdued efforts that have concerned supporters. American leadership abroad: Foreign policy typically takes a backseat during State of the Union speeches, but for reasons not entirely within his control, Biden is a foreign policy president in a moment of deep global tensions. The Russia-Ukraine war grinds on, with the future of American assistance in doubt. And Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, prompted by the October 7 attacks, has generated a humanitarian crisis that is dividing Biden’s political coalition. Catch up on all of the takeaways from Biden's third State of the Union address.
President Joe Biden delivered a fiery State of the Union address, one that could be among the most important speeches he has given during his presidency.

House Republicans criticized former GOP Rep. George Santos’ appearance at the State of the Union last night, which he used as a jumping off point for his primary challenge against Rep. Nick LaLota. “George Santos is one of the most bizarre people I've ever met. I certainly didn't hug him or greet him with any sort of niceness whatsoever,” said LaLota. “He's an embarrassment here in Congress. It's one of the reasons that we led the charge to expel him.” Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, another New York Republican, said he was not surprised by Santos’s announcement. “When it comes to George Santos, there's very little that surprises I think anyone for that matter. I think that again, you know, he was expelled from this institution, not just by New Yorkers who dislike him. He was expelled because he's a stain on this institution.” Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro, another freshman New Yorker, said he didn’t think anything of Santos last night – but noted that the State of the Union should be treated with respect, no matter which party the president belongs to. “It's an honor to be in the chamber to listen to the State of the Union, despite not agreeing with the President's analysis or his rhetoric, that the place should be treated with a degree of decency – and I didn't spend any time thinking about his presence,” he said.

https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/state-of-the-union-biden-03-07-24/index.html