President Biden used his 2022 State of the Union address to frame the upcoming midterm elections as a choice between democratic values and resentment/retaliation, referring pointedly to “other people my age” like former President Trump.
While Biden’s approval ratings have been low, he delivered an energetic speech aimed at countering perceptions that he is too old for the job.
“My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy,” Biden said. “A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor.”
“Now some other people my age see a different story,” he added. “An American story of resentment, revenge and retribution. That’s not me.”
He sounded assured and combative in his delivery, with no noticeable “senior moments.”
Biden spent significant time criticizing Trump and warning of threats to abortion rights, election integrity, and more if he wins again.
“I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while,” Biden joked. “And when you get to be my age, certain things become clearer than ever before.”
“Not since President Lincoln and the Civil War have freedom and democracy been under assault here at home as they are today,” Biden said. “My predecessor and some of you here seek to bury the truth of January 6th. I will not do that. … You can’t love your country only when you win.”
“Four more years! Four more years!” Democrats chanted.
On the economy, Biden touted job growth and spending power but acknowledged high inflation, pledging a populist approach of tax hikes on the wealthy to support working families through challenging times.
“I grew up in a home where not a lot trickled down on my dad’s kitchen table,” Biden said. “That’s why I’m determined to turn things around so the middle class does well, the poor have a way up — and the wealthy still do well. We all do well.”
“Folks at home, does anybody think the tax code is fair?” he asked.
“No!” Democratic lawmakers said.
“Do you really think the wealthy and big corporations need another 2 trillion tax break?” he asked.
“No!” Democratic lawmakers said.
“I sure don’t,” Biden said.
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