Photo: Bloomberg / Getty Images
President Joe Biden delivered an energetic State of The Union address Thursday night (March 7) in the U.S. State Capitol. The speech comes at a pivotal moment in Biden's political career as he seeks reelection, battles widespread doubt about his capacity to serve as president, and faces less support from Black voters ahead of November.
According to CNN, the sitting president focused his address on reproductive rights, economic changes, and foreign policy while taking swipes at his political opponents. The Democrat also touted arguably the biggest win of his administration, so far: the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which provides funding to update U.S. roads, bridges, and airports while ensuring things like high-speed internet and clean water to Americans. Below are some major takeaways from Thursday's address.
Biden Takes On Trump and Republicans
Biden took multiple jabs at Donald Trump, who's shaping up to be his contender again for this year's election, as well as Republican lawmakers in the chamber. While he didn't name the former president by name, the longtime Democrat repeatedly referred to the business mogul as his "predecessor" as he attacked the previous administration's policies.
Biden also went after the ongoing lies about the 2020 election, calling the misinformation the “gravest threat to democracy” since the Civil War. Legislators in more than two dozen GOP-led states have restricted voting rights for minorities and underrepresented groups in the wake of Trump's defeat, according to an investigation by the Center of Public Integrity.
The president touted health care and climate bills passed without GOP support while criticizing Republicans over their plans on taxes, Social Security, and immigration. Despite his jousts, Biden said he remains willing to work with Republican leadership.
Biden Brings His Economic Wins To The Forefront
The president highlighted crucial measures to revive the U.S. economy, especially after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reporters noted many American voters aren't aware of what the president has done over the last few years, contributing to the sour perception of Biden and his administration in recent polls.
Biden described America's economic rebound as “the greatest comeback story never told." He touched on various measures and accomplishments during his term, such as raising taxes on the wealthy and lowering the cost of prescription medicine. He also acknowledged his team could do better at communicating major changes, especially if U.S. citizens aren't noticing the policies.
Reproductive Rights A Major Focus Of Biden's Campaign
Biden slammed the Supreme Court's landmark decision rolling back Roe v. Wade in the Thursday speech. The president warned Congressional Republicans are aiming for a national abortion ban while claiming Trump "brags about" being instrumental in stripping away federal abortion protections.
The Democrat even called out several GOP-led states for targeting reproductive rights. He also pointed at Alabama, which recently banned in-vitro fertilization in a state supreme court ruling. Lawmakers in the state recently reinstated IVF protections under new legislation, per CNN. With all these examples, Biden emphasized the power of women's votes and how people will show up to the polls when abortion and reproductive access are on the line.
What About Black Voters?
Biden didn't address key progress or promises for the Black community, a demographic that helped ensure his victory over Trump in 2020. Many of the topics the incumbent touched on do directly affect Black Americans, from the massive economic measures to his vow to protect reproductive rights. A CDC report from 2021 found that Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States, and other research found that they're disproportionately affected by restrictive reproductive laws.
A White House fact sheet details how the Biden-Harris administration benefitted Black Americans when it comes to homeownership, health insurance, and business. Yet, many Black Americans feel Biden fell short of major campaign promises, from law enforcement issues to safeguarding voting rights.
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