U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing for his fourth State of the Union address, scheduled for Thursday night, where he will emphasize the contrasts between his administration and his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. The speech will also focus on highlighting the nation's strong economy, advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy, and addressing concerns about his age.
The State of the Union address is a constitutional obligation that requires the president to periodically inform Congress about the country's status. This year's speech will be delivered before a joint session of Congress and a national TV audience at 9 p.m. ET. It presents a critical opportunity for Biden to connect with voters who are weighing their options for the upcoming election.
Polls indicate a tight race between Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, in battleground states. However, there is a lack of enthusiasm among many voters for either candidate or a potential rematch between them. Biden aims to reassure voters of his commitment to defending democracy, protecting abortion rights, and addressing the high cost of living for many Americans.
In his address, Biden will introduce new tax proposals targeting the wealthy and large corporations, although passing such reforms would require a Democratic Congress, which currently seems unlikely. He will also highlight his support for labor unions and highlight his legislative achievements, such as infrastructure improvements and bolstering domestic chip production. Biden will emphasize America's global leadership and its support for countries like Ukraine and Israel.
Despite the strong performance of the U.S. economy, with robust job growth and consumer spending, Republican voters express dissatisfaction. Biden's re-election campaign plans to criticize Trump's policies on abortion, the economy, taxes, and his approach to racial issues. The NAACP is urging Biden to make progress on voting rights and criminal justice reform in his address. Observers will be watching closely for any signs of physical or mental decline in Biden, given concerns about his fitness for a second term. Biden has spent the weekend preparing for the address and is expected to refine his speech until the moment he delivers it.
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