President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden once again rose to the occasion and gave an extremely effective State of the Union speech last night. But what was so successful, and perhaps unexpected, is the way Biden took apart the Republicans. The President did this in a deft, almost surgical way, alternating between touting his impressive accomplishments, pushing his Democratic agenda (something we have advocated here since Day One), and co-opting pro-American ideas that the Republicans falsely try to claim that they promote. Essentially, Biden set a trap for the GOP.
Most reviews and many posts and comments about last night’s State of the Union speech seem to focus on the ugly outbursts from a small number of House Republicans in the audience. That’s just what those attention-seekers want. Instead, a good exercise is to avoid the videos of President Biden’s speech (too late if you already watched it last night, of course), and read the transcript in the second link above. What you get is an impressive picture of patriotism, an appeal to unity, and some good sharp contrasts with the Republicans. Here are some memorable lines and passages from the speech, which paint a clear picture of what President Biden accomplished:
“I’m a capitalist. But just pay your fair share.”
“[N]o billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a school teacher or a firefighter.”
In the last two years, my administration cut the deficit by more than $1.7 trillion – the largest deficit reduction in American history. Under the previous administration, America’s deficit went up four years in a row. Because of those record deficits, no president added more to the national debt in any four years than my predecessor.
“How did Congress respond to all that debt? They lifted the debt ceiling three times without preconditions or crisis.”
“Let us commit here tonight that the full faith and credit of the United States of America will never, ever be questioned.”
Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy hostage unless I agree to their economic plans. All of you at home should know what their plans are. Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset every five years. That means if Congress doesn’t vote to keep them, those programs will go away. Other Republicans say if we don’t cut Social Security and Medicare, they’ll let America default on its debt for the first time in our history. I won’t let that happen…. So tonight, let’s all agree to stand up for seniors. Stand up and show them we will not cut Social Security. We will not cut Medicare.
“Here’s my message to all of you out there: I have your back.” [This is precisely the theme we have been advocating for the Democrats since 2014.]
“My administration is also taking on ‘junk’ fees, those hidden surcharges too many businesses use to make you pay more.”
We all want the same thing. Neighborhoods free of violence. Law enforcement who earn the community’s trust. Our children to come home safely. Equal protection under the law; that’s the covenant we have with each other in America.
“Give law enforcement the training they need, hold them to higher standards, and help them succeed in keeping everyone safe.”
Ban assault weapons once and for all. We did it before. I led the fight to ban them in 1994. In the 10 years the ban was law, mass shootings went down. After Republicans let it expire, mass shootings tripled.
America’s border problems won’t be fixed until Congress acts. If you won’t pass my comprehensive immigration reform, at least pass my plan to provide the equipment and officers to secure the border. And a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, those on temporary status, farm workers, and essential workers.
“Make no mistake; if Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it.”
Together, we did what America always does at our best. We led. We united NATO and built a global coalition. We stood against Putin’s aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people.
“Our nation is working for more freedom, more dignity, and more peace, not just in Europe, but everywhere.”
“Today, we’re in the strongest position in decades to compete with China or anyone else in the world.”
“There is no place for political violence in America.”
“We must be the nation we have always been at our best. Optimistic. Hopeful. Forward-looking.”
“Let’s finish the job”
It’s important to remember that each of us has the power to filter out what we don’t want to hear, and instead to share and promote what benefits us and others. President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address presents a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Photo by Palácio de Planalto, used under Creative Commons license. https://is.gd/r35ATW
