President Joe Biden delivered his final State of the Union address on March 7, 2024. The address covered a range of topics, including abortion, the economy, and a call for tax hikes on the rich. Biden's speech comes at a crucial time as polls show a tight race for the presidency, with Wisconsin being a key battleground state.
As part of the lead-up to the State of the Union address, FOX6's Jason Calvi, along with six other local reporters, was invited to the White House for a reporters summit. During the summit, Calvi had the opportunity to ask White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about the state of the U.S. economy. He also questioned White House Communications Director Ben Labolt about President Biden's potential visit to Wisconsin and the poll numbers.
The visit of Vice President Kamala Harris to Wisconsin earlier this year was part of the Biden administration's efforts to promote their economic policies. Harris visited Madison, a college town, to discuss apprenticeship programs and 'good-paying union jobs'. The administration is targeting Wisconsin in the upcoming election to secure the necessary electoral votes for re-election. Harris's visit aimed to highlight the threat to democracy posed by former President Trump and his likely opponent in the election. Additionally, Harris has become the leading voice for promoting abortion rights, a key issue that resonates with women and young voters.
The Biden administration's focus on the economy and efforts to address concerns about the state of the economy are evident in President Biden's State of the Union address. The visit to Wisconsin by Vice President Harris and the planned visit by President Biden are part of a broader strategy to secure support and improve their standing among various voter groups. Despite the strong job growth, low unemployment, and record high stock markets, Democrats have been frustrated by polling that shows voters giving higher marks to former President Trump on the economy. President Biden's potential visit to Wisconsin aims to address these concerns and improve his standing among voters.
However, not everyone is impressed with President Biden's State of the Union address. Jesse Watters, a commentator for Fox News, predicts that Biden's speech will be a campaign speech instead of an honest assessment. Watters criticizes Biden's job performance, stating that he has never been the main character of Washington and lacks the ability to motivate the masses. Watters highlights issues such as illegal immigration, the cost of living, and wars in Europe and the Middle East that have caused unease and lack of confidence in the commander-in-chief. He expects Biden to blame others for the problems he has created and to use hoaxes, smears, and spin in his speech. Watters concludes that nothing Biden says tonight will make people forget his failure.
Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address on March 7, 2024. The president’s car, known as The Beast, made its way from the White House to the US Capitol building. The Secret Service reportedly used an alternative route to avoid the pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked the streets of Washington. Biden appears to be enjoying engaging with the Republican members who are yelling back at him during his address. Several Republicans have been yelling “liar” at the president. Majorie Taylor Greene, who we saw earlier had come equipped with a MAGA hat, even yelled out “tell Hunter to pay his taxes”. Biden has moved on to issues at home. He’s deviated from his prepared speech while talking about pharmaceuticals and appears to have stuffed one of his lines when talking about how expensive prescription drugs are in the US. Biden has also addressed what he says are the threats at home, referencing the January 6 riots, saying many in the Chamber were “here on that darkest of days”. Biden has avoided mentioning Trump by name when commenting on the former president’s remarks about NATO. After taking time to make his way through the chamber, during which Democrats in the House erupted into a “four more years” chant, Biden has begun his address. Joe Biden has just entered the House Chamber, and he’s been greeted with a Make America Great Again cap, worn by far-right Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is this year’s so-called designated survivor and will not be in Washington for the address in case of a major incident. In his last State of the Union address before the election, Biden is expected to speak on the Israel-Hamas war, abortion and reproductive rights, as well as the US economy.
President Biden's State of the Union address also drew attention to the fashion choices of Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Harris wore a black Alexander McQueen suit, a cream Saint Laurent blouse, and Manolo Blahnik pumps, while Dr. Jill Biden wore a belted Ralph Lauren skirt suit in mint green. These fashion choices were both personal and political, with Harris wearing the same suit to pay respects to Sandra Day O'Connor and Biden wearing the suit while discussing education. The fashion choices of political figures at events like the State of the Union address often carry symbolic meaning and can convey messages to the public.
It is clear that President Biden's State of the Union address has received mixed reviews, with some praising his focus on key issues and others criticizing his policies and leadership. As the election approaches, both Biden and his opponents are working hard to secure support and sway public opinion.