Takeaways from President Biden’s State of the Union address
President Joe Biden delivered his first State of the Union Speech on Tuesday. During these challenging times, Biden focused on the Russian war against Ukraine in his State of the Union Address. At this particularly trying time for his administration, Biden was able to put a balance on his Speech.
Biden applauds the unified allied cooperative efforts to Ukraine’s invasion. This involves aiming at Russian president Vladimir Putin and closing the US airspace for all Russian flights.
Biden addressed, “Six days ago, Russia’s Vladimir Putin sought to shake the foundations of the world thinking he could make it bend to his menacing ways. But he badly miscalculated.”Biden requested the crowd to “rise if you are able and show that ‘Yes, we the United States of America stand with the Ukrainian people.”
The State of the Union is strong. pic.twitter.com/w4HN4MQwPZ
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 2, 2022
His speech also centered on overcoming domestic anxieties. Particularly talking about inflation, the pandemic, and economic uncertainty. While he’s facing low approval ratings, he took a positive turn by addressing inflation and the US economy. US inflation, which is at its highest level in decades, has been declared by voters as a major concern. Which is the top reason why Biden is getting low approval ratings in polls.
Whether it be the US economic situation, the current world war 3 scare, or the increasing crime rate in the US. All these need to be resolved. Here are some key points on Biden’s first State of the Union Speech.
1. Biden laid out a hopeful plan on COVID-19 towards a maskless crowd
Biden claimed that the worst of the pandemic is over. Although the government will never stop helping the country to fight the virus. Almost everyone in the Congress chamber was not wearing a mask. This signifies that most of the Congress is ready to move ahead to normal.
Biden said, “I know you’re tired, frustrated, and exhausted. Tonight I can say we are moving forward safely, back to more normal routines.”
To keep up with the current ongoing trend of the pandemic and future COVID cases, Biden presented a 4-part strategy. Which includes:
– Implementing a new “test to threat” strategy
– Using more COVID-19 tools like vaccines
– Preparing for any new COVID-19 variants
– Re-opening businesses and schools on a face-to-face attendance
– Reaching out the US vaccine distribution to other parts of the world.
However, these programs are costly and will need Congress’ approval to grant funds.
2. He outlined a rather familiar tune about Inflation
The highest level of inflation now is affecting Americans’ spending power. Which is driving the Democrats’ poll numbers to plunge. And Biden said he plans to stop it. A plan that sounded familiar already.
Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech was really disappointing and completely out of touch. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/qwzhYKgMMJ
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 2, 2022
His Build Back Better agenda that Sen. Joe Manchin keeps on rejecting. Biden believes that this is the way to fight inflation while also reducing the deficit. Although as far as the plan shows, achieving long-term Democratic social policy goals is the main focus.
3. Biden addressed the new international unity against Russian invasion
It is quite noticeable that Biden focused more on foreign policy than the actual goal of the Seat of the Union address. Biden said, “Let each of us here tonight in this chamber send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world.”
One of the new policies announced is the closure of the American airspace to any Russian flights. The new Justice Department task force will also target Russian oligarchs and corrupt leaders that have raked billions of dollars from these violent reigns.
The GOP of old is long gone, but a reply not showing US political solidarity with the president in a global security crisis is still pathetic to see. Especially after years of Trump kissing up to Putin and blocking aid and slandering and extorting Ukraine.
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) March 2, 2022
Biden sought “robust action to make sure the pain of our sanctions is targeted at Russia’s economy. And to do what he can to “protect American businesses and consumers.”
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4. He sought after unity only with a few exceptions
When he spoke about unity, he received it with standing ovations. Biden said, “The answer is not to defund the police. The answer is to fund the police.” Which earned him an overwhelming response.
Applause erupted in the chamber when he made a declaration. “We, the United States of America, stand with the Ukrainian people.”
Although there were certain moments of boos from Republicans. When Biden mentioned the 2017 GOP tax cuts. It turned into cheers from Democrats when he promoted his $1.9 trillion Covid stimulus package.
