What to expect from Biden's first State of the Union address
Looking to prep for Tuesday's big speech? Look no further. Here's everything to expect from President Biden's first-ever State of the Union address, beginning tonight at 9 p.m. EST:
A focus on foreign policy. Biden's speechwriters have revised the president's address to include remarks on the crisis currently dominating the world stage — the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The president will likely "describe the steps his administration has taken to threaten Russia's financial stability," NPR writes, and also focus on his "longtime theme of defending democracies," adds The Washington Post. Basically, expect Moscow talk to take up a lot of time.
More on Build Back Better. Biden's flagship piece of domestic legislation might be "dead" by some Democratic lawmaker's accounts (most notably West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin), but according to a White House preview of the president's speech, Biden will "reintroduce pieces of his domestic policy agenda," CBS News writes, and make clear there's more to be done "to rebuild the economy towards resilience, security, and sustainability," an official added.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"What you can expect the president to lay out tomorrow is how his plan, the ideas he's put forward, lowers costs for families, can reduce the deficit and that it's time for Congress to act," an official told reporters, per CBS News.
A note on the economy. If you're hoping to hear Biden use the word "inflation" tomorrow, then you're in luck. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, the president will "absolutely" address the record levels of inflation plaguing American families, and will also spend time discussing his plan to cut costs. As for tone, writes The Wall Street Journal, Biden has generally shifted his message surrounding rising prices to one of empathy, assuring voters he understands the pain they're experiencing.
An update on COVID-19. It's no secret Americans are growing weary of the ongoing pandemic — so expect Biden to touch on a return to post-COVID normalcy, the relaxation of certain restrictions (like CDC mask guidance), and the apparent retreat of the Omicron variant, say both the Journal and NPR.
A nod to his Supreme Court nominee. The president last week announced his nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, thus fulfilling his pledge to elevate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. Per NPR, "Democrats hope the speech will provide a lift among their supporters going into the midterms."
A high-five for what's gotten done so far. It wouldn't be a State of the Union address without a little back-patting — and according to recent polls, Biden certainly needs some. Expect the president to spend time celebrating both his American Rescue Plan and his infrastructure law, as well as administration job initiatives, CBS News reports.
"The president is proud of the administration's progress to date," and will continue working to do more, an official added, per CBS News.
Biden's speech can be streamed live at WH.gov/sotu. After his remarks, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) will deliver a response on behalf of the Working Families Party, and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) will deliver the Republican Party's rebuttal.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
How Harris and Trump differ on education
The Explainer Trump wants to disband the Department of Education. Harris wants to boost teacher pay.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
How to minimize capital gains tax on investments
The Explainer It can take a chunk out of your profits
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: November 4, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
North Korea tests ICBM, readies troops in Ukraine
Speed Read Thousands of North Korean troops are likely to join Russian action against Ukraine
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Women take center stage in campaign finale
Speed Read Harris and Trump are trading gender attacks in the final days before the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Supreme Court allows purge of Virginia voter rolls
Speed Read Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is purging some 1,600 people from state voter rolls days before the election
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Empowered' Steve Bannon released from prison
Speed Read Bannon was set free a week before Election Day and quickly returned to his right-wing podcast to promote Trump
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Canada accuses top Modi ally of directing Sikh attacks
Speed Read Indian Home Minister Amit Shah was allegedly behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Harris makes closing case in huge rally at DC's Ellipse
Speed Read The Democratic nominee asked voters to "turn the page" on Trump's "division" and "chaos"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'I am not a Nazi,' Trump says amid MSG rally fallout
Speed Read Trump and his campaign are attempting to stem the fallout from comments made by speakers at Sunday's rally
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published