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Writer's pictureLynn Matthews

State of the Union Address or Campaign Speech? 5 Key Issues



As President Biden delivered his State of the Union address, the nation tuned in eagerly, hoping to gain insights into the administration's priorities and plans for the future. Yet, amidst the promises and policy proposals outlined by the President, there were certain points that left many with reservations and dissent. As an observer deeply invested in the welfare and direction of our country, it's imperative to scrutinize and critique the ideas put forth by our leaders. In this article, we delve into the elements of President Biden's address that sparked disagreement and concern, shedding light on areas where alternative perspectives are warranted.


In a move that caught many by surprise, President Biden wasted no time in addressing the Ukraine/Russian war as his foremost priority in the State of the Union address. While the conflict undoubtedly holds global significance, questions lingered as to why the United States, despite its NATO membership, shoulders a disproportionate financial burden in supporting Ukraine. Moreover, as Russia's aggression remains confined to regions far from American borders, some have raised concerns over the extent of U.S. involvement and the allocation of resources in a conflict zone thousands of miles away.


In a contentious moment during his address, President Biden took aim at his predecessor, referring to him as 'my predecessor' – a word he stumbled over in pronunciation, perhaps revealing the weight of the accusation he was about to levy. Blaming the former president for the January 6th riots at the Capitol, Biden declared,

Many of you were here on that darkest of days. We all saw with our own eyes the insurrectionists were not patriots. They had come to stop the peaceful transfer of power, to overturn the will of the people.
January 6th lies about the 2020 election and the plots to steal the election posed a great — gravest threat to U.S. democracy since the Civil War.
But they failed. America stood — America stood strong and democracy prevailed. We must be honest: The threat to democracy must be [defeated].

The President's characterization of the riot, which lasted a mere few hours, as tantamount to one of the darkest periods in American history has sparked debate and skepticism. While acknowledging the gravity of the breach of the Capitol, it's important to note the stark contrast between the scale of the January 6th events and the staggering loss of life during the Civil War, where thousands perished. With only one casualty reported – an unarmed protester shot by a capitol policeman from behind a locked door – the attempt to equate these two events has been met with scrutiny and disbelief.


President Biden's State of the Union address took a confrontational turn as he addressed the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding abortion rights, suggesting a veiled warning to the justices. While the Supreme Court's ruling didn't constitute a ban on abortion but rather delegated the issue to the states, Biden's words carried weight as he stated, 'Look, its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court majority wrote the following — and with all due respect, Justices — 'Women are not without electoral — electoral power' — excuse me — 'electoral or political power.' You’re about to realize just how much you were right about that.'


The President's tone was perceived by many as a thinly veiled threat and a display of disrespect towards the Supreme Court justices who were tasked with ruling on whether abortion should be considered a national or state issue. The suggestion that the justices would soon come to regret their decision was met with concern and condemnation, raising questions about the appropriate boundaries between the executive and judicial branches of government.


Perhaps the most contentious moment of President Biden's State of the Union address came when he addressed the issue of the border and immigration policy. Since taking office, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its approach to border security, including the elimination of certain measures aimed at preventing illegal entry into the United States.


However, it was President Biden's remarks about Laken Riley, a young woman tragically killed by an individual who entered the country illegally, that sparked outrage and condemnation. Holding up a pin reading 'Say Her Name, Laken Riley,' Biden struggled to pronounce her name correctly before acknowledging her death with a troubling juxtaposition. 'By an illegal. That's right,' Biden stated, before seemingly minimizing Riley's tragic fate by asking, 'But how many of thousands of people are being killed by legal?'


The President's comments not only failed to acknowledge the profound loss suffered by Riley's loved ones but also raised concerns about the broader implications of his immigration policies. By seemingly downplaying the impact of illegal immigration-related violence, Biden's remarks fueled further debate and scrutiny over the administration's handling of border security and immigration reform.


President Biden's State of the Union address, while touching on various issues, took a turn towards confrontation and divisiveness as he launched into a tirade, shouting and berating those who disagreed with him. Amidst the chaos, one protester, who tragically lost his son due to the disastrous troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, found himself arrested following an emotional outburst. This incident highlights the heightened tensions and deep-seated frustrations that pervaded the evening, as voices of dissent were met with harsh reprisal rather than genuine engagement.


President Biden's State of the Union address was marked by contentious moments and heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions and unresolved issues facing our nation. From the handling of border security to the treatment of dissenting voices, the address underscored the challenges ahead in bridging partisan divides and addressing the concerns of all Americans. Despite campaigning on bridging the divide, Biden has further widened the divide between Americans who stand on opposite sides of an issue.


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