(New York) The weak and confused Joe Biden that Republicans like to describe gave way to a Joe Biden speaking with a strong and firm voice Thursday evening during the traditional State of the Union speech.
Faced with discontent and doubt, the outgoing president vigorously and combatively defended his conception of democracy in the world and in the United States, while touting his achievements and defining his economic proposals to help a middle class in power. mishandled purchase.
He also improvised to respond to comments from certain Republicans present in the chamber of the House of Representatives, including Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing a red MAGA cap.
PHOTO SHAWN THEW, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Eight months before the 2024 presidential election, the occupant of the White House has not once mentioned the name of his probable opponent, Donald Trump. But he offered an almost electoral speech, repeatedly attacking the one he referred to several times by the words “my predecessor”, reproaching him in particular for his “lies” about the 2020 presidential election and his positions vis-à-vis screws Vladimir Putin and NATO.
“Not so long ago, a Republican president, Ronald Reagan, said: ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.’ Today, my predecessor, a former Republican president, says to Putin: “Do what you want.” This is what a former American president said, bowing to a Russian leader,” Joe Biden said at the start of his approximately 60-minute speech.
” It’s scandalous. It’s dangerous. This is unacceptable. »
The president continued by challenging Congressional Republicans to adopt a bill already approved in the Senate and intended in particular to provide additional military aid of $60 billion to Ukraine.
“History is watching us,” he said. If the United States withdraws now, it will put Ukraine in danger. Europe in danger. The free world will be in danger, which will embolden those who wish us harm. »
My message to President Putin is simple. We will not shy away. We will not bow down. I will not bow.
President Joe Biden
The age problem
Joe Biden waited until the very end of his speech to address the elephant in the room: his advanced age, which makes the majority of American voters believe that he should not seek a second term, according to polls.
After referring to Donald Trump by saying that “some people my age […] “We see an American story of resentment, vengeance and retribution,” he added: “Over the course of my career, I have been told I am too young and too old. Whether I am young or old, I have always known what endures. »
“My dear compatriots, the problem facing our nation is not the age we are, but the age of our ideas,” he continued a few moments later.
Hate, anger, revenge, punishment are some of the oldest ideas.
President Joe Biden
Two other highlights of the speech focused on reproductive rights and management of the U.S.-Mexico border.
“In its decision to annul the judgment Roe v. Wadethe majority of the Supreme Court wrote: “Women are not deprived of electoral or political power,” declared Joe Biden, pointing to the judges of the highest court in the country present in the chamber.
Then, in reference to Donald Trump, he added: “It is clear that those who boast of having canceled Roe v. Wade have no idea of the power of women in America. But they found out when reproductive freedom was put to a vote and won in 2022, 2023, and they’ll find out again in 2024. 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. »
“Say his name”
After urging congressional Republicans to pass the bipartisan bill negotiated in the Senate to secure the southern border, Joe Biden was interrupted by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who shouted at him: “Say his name. » She was referring to Laken Riley, a 22-year-old student killed on the University of Georgia campus by a Venezuelan migrant released after her arrest for theft.
PHOTO SHAWN THEW, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing a red MAGA cap and a t-shirt reading “Say Her Name”
The president then displayed a button bearing the name Laken Riley. In his exchange with the Georgia representative, he used the word “illegal” to talk about migrants, a term popular among Republicans, but banned among Democrats.
The president still took the opportunity to ask his predecessor to encourage his allies in Congress to adopt the bill to secure the border.
Joe Biden devoted a significant part of his speech to economic issues. He praised his record, mentioning in particular the 15 million jobs created since the start of his mandate, the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years and the 16 million Americans who have launched businesses since January 2021.
It may not make headlines, but in thousands of cities and towns, the American people are writing the greatest comeback story ever told.
President Joe Biden
He also increased proposals to reduce costs for middle and working class families. And he promised tax policies the opposite of those of Donald Trump. In particular, he advocated an increase in the corporate tax rate to a minimum of 21%, and that of billionaires to 25%.
“Tireless” work
The president confirmed his decision to order the US military to establish a floating dock in Gaza to transport hundreds of trucks of additional aid to the Palestinian enclave by sea. The dock would be connected to land by a temporary causeway, according to the White House.
“We worked tirelessly to establish an immediate ceasefire that would last at least six weeks,” Joe Biden said, while reiterating his faith in a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
PHOTO EVELYN HOCKSTEIN, REUTERS
Kate Cox (second from left), who launched a lawsuit to end a risky pregnancy last December, and journalist and activist Maria Shriver (left) were invited by first lady Jill Biden (to the right).
Joe Biden’s message on reproductive rights was also illustrated by the presence of Kate Cox among the 20 guests of first lady Jill Biden. This Dallas mother filed a lawsuit to end a risky pregnancy last December. After the Texas Supreme Court stayed a trial judge’s ruling allowing her to have an abortion, she had to leave her state to obtain an emergency abortion.
Eager to offer a sharp contrast with an octogenarian president, Republican leaders in Congress entrusted their party’s response to the youngest senator, Katie Britt, 42. Elected in Alabama last November, she denounced the way Joe Biden managed the southern border, one of the Republicans’ favorite themes.
“President Biden inherited the most secure border ever. But within minutes of taking office, he suspended all expulsions, stopped construction of the border wall and announced an amnesty plan for millions of people,” the senator said, calling the Democrat a “waffling and weakened leader.” “.