Biden tackles Russian aggression, inflation and domestic agenda at first State of the Union
In his first State of the Union, President Biden discussed issues at home and abroad. "All Staff Zoom Call with Vice President Biden, Dr. Biden, Senator Harris, and Doug Emhoff - Wilmington, DE - August 13, 2020" by Biden For President is marked with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Against the harsh backdrop of war, record-high inflation and a still-lingering pandemic, President Biden took to the podium on Tuesday, March 1 to deliver his first State of the Union address before an increasingly divided Congress and nation.
In the biggest speech of his presidency thus far, Biden aimed to unify the country at a precarious moment, with the administration facing myriad crises both at home and abroad. Speaking to a joint session of Congress in the U.S. Capitol, Biden addressed a concerned nation and pitched a scaled-back domestic agenda, attempting to appeal to moderates and independents amid near record-low approval ratings heading into the midterm elections.
Confronting the biggest land war in Europe since World War II, Biden urged global unity and strength in standing up against Russian President Vladimir Putin after his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The president underlined the necessity of democratic cooperation in combatting authoritarianism abroad and touted Western success in inflicting economic pain on Putin through sweeping sanctions. In a display of togetherness with Ukraine, the administration hosted Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, who joined first lady Jill Biden in the House gallery for the address.
Echoing the frequent pro-democracy theme of his speeches, Biden emphasized that, despite partisan divides, Americans are joined with “an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny,” especially at a time of heightened global hostilities.
“We fought for freedom, expanded liberty, defeated totalitarianism and terror. We built the strongest, freest and most prosperous nation the world has ever known,” Biden said. “Now is the hour. Our moment of responsibility. Our test of resolve and conscience, of history itself.” He added, “I know this nation will meet the test. To protect freedom and liberty, to expand fairness and opportunity. We will save democracy.
In the 62-minute speech, Biden voiced support for Ukraine and highlighted the bravery of its citizens, while also conveying the unity of NATO allies in working to curtail Russian aggression through collective action. Biden announced in the speech that the U.S. would join other nations in closing its airspace to Russian airlines, an action that seeks to further isolate Putin. The president also attempted to prepare Americans for the likely unwelcome domestic side-effect of the war in Ukraine: an exacerbation of already-high gas prices and increased costs for other goods during a time of severe inflation.
Biden pivoted to address crises at home and, while hitting on themes of nationalism and American resilience, explored his plans for lowering costs for the average American family. Outlining his strategy to lower inflation, Biden unveiled a four-point plan that includes making more things in America and strengthening the supply chain, reducing costs of everyday expenses and reducing the deficit; promoting fair competition and eliminating barriers to good-paying jobs.
“Too many families are struggling to keep up with the bills,” Biden said. “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. I get it. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”
Biden struck an optimistic tone in discussing American life post-pandemic. Entering the House chamber without a mask and speaking before a largely maskless crowd, the president celebrated how America is approaching normalcy while urging cautiousness. He touted the administration’s success in delivering tests and high-quality masks to all who want them. Furthermore, he announced that Americans would be able to order more free, at-home covid tests on the government’s website starting the following week.
Biden delivered a diminished domestic agenda following legislative losses, the president pitched key components of his stalled Build Back Better law in an attempt to find consensus on agenda items like lowering prescription drug costs, extending the child tax credit and bringing down childcare costs. Though Biden made some appeals to progressives, like by calling on Congress to act on voting rights legislation, he maintained a more moderate stance in discussing criminal justice and policing.
“The answer is not to defund the police. It's to fund the police. Fund them with resources and training — resources and training they need to protect their communities," the president said, deviating from a platform of the progressive wing of his party.
Biden’s State of the Union came as his approval ratings hit a low of his presidency, and a recent NPR/ PBS NewsHour/ Marist Poll found that Biden’s approval is just 39%. As Democrats approach the midterms with fears of losing their narrow control in Congress, the party likely hopes Biden’s middle-ground appeals in the State of the Union will attract independent voters and moderate Democrats.