This is the fourth speech by the US leader. The first speech was given in late April 2021, 3 months after Mr. Biden took over the White House. This is not actually a formal State of the Union address - which usually summarizes the work of the past year and announces plans for the future. The 46th President of the United States delivered his first full State of the Union address in March 2022.
This year's State of the Union address may be Mr. Biden's best chance ahead of the November election to tell Americans in detail about his accomplishments during his time in office and what he would do if he wins a second term.
Technically, this isn't a campaign speech, but for US Presidents in the final year of their first term, this annual speech represents the beginning of their re-election efforts.
Speaking to lawmakers from both houses, Mr. Biden touted his economic record. By many measures, the U.S. economy is thriving. The job market is strong, consumers are spending again and inflation has fallen to a three-year low.
But the White House chief still has to constantly ask his advisers: Why are so many Americans still unhappy about the economy?
President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on March 7, 2024. Photo: Getty Images
The discrepancy between positive economic data and how people actually feel about the economy could have a major impact on Mr. Biden’s political prospects, with White House advisers and campaign officials acknowledging that how Americans feel about the economy could be crucial in determining whether the president can win a second term in November.
A survey from the University of Michigan released in early February showed that consumer outlooks rose 13% in January, reaching their highest level since the summer of 2021. A few days earlier, consumer confidence as measured by the Conference Board rose to a two-year high.
However, Mr Biden faces an uphill battle on the economic front as his re-election campaign almost certainly prepares for a rematch with former President Donald Trump.
A majority of Americans — 55% — said in a recent CNN poll that they believe the Biden administration's policies have made economic conditions in the country worse, while just 26% believe his policies have improved them.
Returning to his State of the Union address, President Biden criticized Trump's previous comments about encouraging Russia to "do whatever they want" to any NATO member country that fails to meet defense spending guidelines.
“I think it’s outrageous, dangerous and unacceptable,” Biden said of Trump’s comments. He did not mention Trump by name, but referred to him as “my predecessor, a former Republican president.”
In his State of the Union address, delivered on March 7, 2024, Mr. Biden did not forget to remind Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. Photo: Al Jazeera
In a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr. Biden said his message was simple: “We will not give up. We will not bow,” Mr. Biden said to thunderous applause. “I will not bow.”
President Biden also stepped up calls for continued US aid to Ukraine, saying freedom and democracy were under attack “at home and abroad.”
He said the purpose of his State of the Union address was to “wake up Congress and warn the American people” that democracy was at stake. “If anyone in this room thinks Putin is going to stop in Ukraine, I can assure you he won’t,” he said.
Mr Biden reiterated that Ukraine was asking for military assistance and weapons, not US troops, to help fight Russia. “They’re not asking for American troops. In fact, there are no American troops fighting in Ukraine. And I’m determined to keep it that way,” he said.
During his prime-time State of the Union address, President Biden also spoke about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, a topic that has consumed much of the US President's time and attention over the past few months .
Minh Duc (According to CNN, NY Times, TASS)
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