In his upcoming State of the Union address, President Joe Biden is expected to pose a question that he believes will answer itself: Whose side are you on?
Biden will present Americans with a stark choice between lower healthcare costs, democratic freedoms, and Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, versus prioritizing drug company profits, tax breaks for the wealthy, and siding with Russia’s autocratic leader, Vladimir Putin.
Framed in this manner, Biden positions himself on the right side of these issues and urges voters to unite behind him, contrasting his stance with that of his likely Republican rival, former President Donald Trump.
Biden (Credits: CNBC)
The theme of stark choices will dominate Biden’s third State of the Union speech, according to advisers. He aims to highlight legislative victories often overlooked by the public while committing to overhaul the tax code in his second term to provide financial relief to middle-class Americans.
Biden also seeks to address growing discontent within his own party over his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, aiming to reassure his party and the nation that he is capable of addressing the challenges ahead. There is a call for him to express concern for Gaza’s future and emphasize the need for a cease-fire to prevent further civilian casualties.
Undoubtedly, Biden’s foremost mission is to reassure a skeptical nation of his capability to lead. With American values seemingly up for grabs in the upcoming election, this State of the Union address carries significant weight.
It is poised to attract a massive television audience, providing Biden with a crucial opportunity to connect with voters and lay out his vision for the country’s future.
The timing of the address, just after the Super Tuesday primaries, adds to its significance. Trump’s expected sweep in the primaries will solidify his frontrunner status for the GOP nomination, setting the stage for a Biden-Trump rematch in November.
For Biden, whose poll numbers have dipped and reelection prospects are uncertain, a strong performance is essential to demonstrate his fitness for office. Conversely, any missteps or mishaps during the address could prove detrimental to his reelection bid, highlighting concerns about his age and ability to lead effectively.
