Biden took to Congress on Tuesday to continue the longstanding American tradition (and constitutional directive) of providing an update on the State of the Union. The address lasted an hour and thirteen minutes, now the third out of three Biden SOTUs to last over an hour. Focused on an economic-populist message, Biden presented the case for his expected re-election campaign for 2024. Unsurprisingly, the speech was often well-received by Democratic lawmakers and rejected by Republicans. Let’s take a look at some key takeaways from the address.
Polarization is not going anywhere
The State of the Union is a time when lawmakers and the public closely judge all of their federally-elected members. Every action (or lack thereof) means something from clapping to smiling. Twenty years ago, it would be difficult for observers to determine how representatives’ reacted to a policy proposal shared by the President; those days are long over. This State of the Union address was extremely contentious. At times, the President sparred with Republican members shouting from their seats. Like an outburst Obama encountered in his 2009 SOTU, Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Green shouted, “you lie” at Biden during one of his statements. During Obama’s address, the entire room audibly reacted – in fact, they were stunned. This type of conduct in the chamber reflects the increased polarization and lack of adherence to norms. Behavior of this type was reflected in the last two presidential elections and will continue down the road.
Willing to compromise, but only to an extent.
Biden made it clear he was willing to work with Republican lawmakers. At the start of the speech, he called out newly-elected Speaker Kevin McCarthy as someone he was looking forward to working with. Biden used this bipartisan messaging during his 2020 campaign; both sides criticized him. In what appears to be a combination of that messaging and his tougher stance during his speech in Philadelphia, Biden signaled he would work with Republicans but veto any measure that would repeal core policies like Social Security and Medicaid. We will likely see less talk of “reaching across the aisle” in the next election compared to 2020.
“Finishing the Job”
There were no new major initiatives in Biden’s address, a nod to the newly-divided government after the 2022 midterm elections. Biden focused on his preexisting policies and efforts, including expanding renewable energies, healthcare, and infrastructure programs. Biden often spoke of “finishing the job” regarding many of these policies. This phrase likely tries to rebuke the public perception that Biden has not accomplished much. I don’t believe any laws that Biden passes would change this belief. The feeling that “nothing is getting done” is not based in fact as most Americans do not pay enough attention to know what is going on with actual legislation.
“To restore the soul of the nation.
To rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class.
To unite the country.
We’ve been sent here to finish the job.”
Jan 6 looms large
Throughout his campaign and term, Biden’s messaging has centered around January 6 and global threats to Democracy. It is a powerful line of messaging that can be used without mentioning Republicans, even though everyone knows they are the target. Democracy is the bedrock of American society, championed by the founding fathers. As long as Republicans continue to fumble their statements regarding January 6 and refuse to condemn insurrectionists, Biden will and should continue to talk about it.
Domestic approach
Foreign policy is the centerpiece of Biden’s first term, a risky move that might promote feelings that he cares more about what happens outside the United States than within. The United States foreign policy interests were nearly absent from the speech; very little was mentioned about Ukraine, China, and Russia. Expect Biden's 2024 campaign to discuss threats abroad but focus on accomplishments at home and what he plans to do next.