President Biden’s State of the Union Crushes Expectations
No ordinary moment
“The state of our union is strong, and getting stronger.”
Progress, possibilities and resilience were key features of President Biden’s State of the Union address. It was filled with great moments that we should all take pride in and, of course, some embarrassing moments from MAGA Republicans which were just beyond deplorable.
After 20 minutes of thunderous applause and magnanimous cheers from both parties, in his typical disarming fashion, Biden kicked it off with a joke: “If I were smart, I’d go home now.”
This quote really captured the theme of his speech: “My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me.”
No, it’s not. And we couldn’t be happier about it.
The State of the Union is strong and progressing, because we have Biden in the White House and a smart team of patriotic, law-abiding Americans in his administration.
I know there was a lot to take in tonight, so here’s a quick look at some key points of what President Biden said in the State of the Union:
Reproductive Rights: Not only did Biden promise to “Guarantee (IVF) nationwide,” but he went further: “If Americans send me a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise you: I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again.”
Immigration: Biden made a passionate plea for Republicans to act on the comprehensive immigration reform bill and made a clear contrast with Trump. “Here’s what I will not do. I will not demonize immigrants saying they ‘poison the blood of our country,’ as he said in his own words. I will not separate families.” He told Republicans, “We can fight about the border or we can fix it. Send me the border bill now!”
Social Security and Medicare: Biden promised that if Republicans try to cut Social Security or Medicare, “I will stop them.”
Ukraine: Biden reaffirmed his commitment to defeating Putin in Ukraine, despite some Republicans in Congress who are attempting to block it. “My message to President Putin is: We will not walk away. We will not bow down. I will not bow down.” Biden even paid homage to former President Ronald Reagan and the Republicans of old, who actually stood up to Russian aggressions.
Israel and Palestine: To ease the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, Biden announced that the US military will build a game-changing floating pier to help deliver aid to people who desperately need it in the Gaza Strip. “Tonight, I’m directing the U.S. military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters.”
“To the leadership of Israel, I say this. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority. As we look to the future, the only real solution is a two-state solution.”
Gun Reform: “I’m demanding a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines! Pass universal background checks! None of this violates the Second Amendment or vilifies responsible gun owners.” He then introduced one of his honored guests, saying, “With us tonight is Jasmine, whose 9-year-old sister Jackie was murdered with 21 classmates and teachers at her elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Soon after it happened, Jill and I went to Uvalde and spent hours with the families. We heard their message, and so should everyone in this chamber. Do something.”
January 6th: President Biden strongly condemned Trump and the MAGA mob's actions on January 6. “They failed, America stood strong and democracy prevailed.” He repeated the famous line, “You can’t love your country only when you win.”
Veterans: President Biden said we must “keep our one truly sacred obligation, to train and equip those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they come home, and when they don’t.”
Tax the Rich: “Just pay your fair share in taxes,” Biden said. “No billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a teacher, a sanitation worker, a nurse! That’s why I’ve proposed a minimum tax of 25% for billionaires.”
Help American Families: “We’re cracking down on corporations that engage in price gouging or deceptive pricing from food to health care to housing … Pass Senator Casey’s bill to put a stop to shrinkflation!”
Equality: “Pass the Equality Act and my message to transgender Americans: I have your back!”
Climate: “I’m taking the most significant action on climate ever in the history of the world. I am cutting our carbon emissions in half by 2030.”
Labor Unions: Referencing the role that Unions played in the reopening of a plant in Belvidire, IL, he said, “Wall Street didn’t build this country. The middle class built this country. And Unions built the middle class”
Workers: “Raise the federal minimum wage because every worker has the right to earn a decent living!”
Jobs: “15 million jobs in just 3 years, a record.” Enough said.
Education: “I wanna give public school teachers a raise.”
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What was your favorite moment from the State of the Union? Add yours here:
I’m proud to be a Democrat. Unbelievable State of the Union. I think President Biden exceeded expectations. Bravo.
It was truly inspirational and well prepared. He made clear what we as Democrats know to be true about who we are as a collective…..and who we are fighting; not only in his examples of their practice but in their example of participation and reaction. Character is forever……BIG WIN for POTUS!!