President Joe Biden Delivers Third State of the Union Address, Vowing to Not Let Republicans “Take the Economy Hostage

President Joe Biden delivered his third annual State of the Union Address on Tuesday, highlighting the economic progress made during his presidency and vowing to not let Republicans “take the economy hostage” over the debt ceiling. Biden’s approval numbers have rebounded significantly since last summer, when more Americans disapproved of him than approved by a 20-point margin.

The President boasted of an economy that has recovered the millions of jobs it lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and which could gain millions more in the coming years thanks to the $2 trillion in high-priority investments. Biden also noted that the United States is the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when it got into it.

The address was marked by a series of tense exchanges between Biden and Republicans in the House of Representatives, who heckled the President from the floor. Biden was unfazed, however, and continued to emphasize the importance of working together to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a catastrophic default on U.S. debt.

The President also spoke of the need to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as the importance of tackling climate change and racial injustice. He concluded his address by calling on Congress to work together to build a better future for all Americans.

Biden’s address was met with a standing ovation from Democrats in the House, and his approval numbers have continued to rise since the speech. It remains to be seen, however, if the President will be able to overcome the partisan rancor to accomplish his goals with the new Congress.