State of the Union: Joe Biden vows to work with Republicans – and says US democracy is bruised but unbroken | US News
Joe Biden vowed to cooperate with political opponents during his latest State of the Union speech.
The US president addressed Congress for the first time since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives last month.
While acknowledging that America’s democracy is hurting, Mr. Biden stressed that it “is not subdued and not broken”.
Democrats say “there’s no reason we can’t work together in this new Congress” – and Americans crave unity.
He added: “The people have sent us a clear message. Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for power, conflict for conflict, gets us nowhere… I was sent here to get the job done!”
President Joe Biden arrives to deliver his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
What is the Federal State?
This annual speech gives presidents an opportunity to set out their legislative priorities for the coming year.
Mr. Biden has called for bipartisan efforts on cancer research, supporting veterans and defeating the “epidemic of opioids and drug overdoses”.
But some of his other proposals – such as a minimum tax rate for billionaires – are unlikely to pass the current Congress.
And the president’s desire for a nationwide cap on insulin costs, meaning diabetics won’t have to pay more than $35 (£29) a month, may well not be approved by parliament.
For the uninsured, insulin costs can be as high as $900 (£746) a month – forcing many to portion portions or skip doses and jeopardizing their health.
Elsewhere in his speech, Mr. Biden focused on police reform following the death of Tire Nichols, a black man who died after being beaten by police in Memphis.
The White House and new Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy have disagreed over a $31.4 trillion (£26 trillion) US debt ceiling, which should be raised in the coming months to avoid default.
In a video before the State of the Union address, Mr. McCarthy said he respects Democrats but has the right to disagree on policy.
He added: “I want to make sure this country is stronger, economically healthy, energy independent, safe and responsible.”
Mr. McCarthy also warned Mr. Biden against using the term “radical MAGA Republicans” in his speech – a nod to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Photo: AP
Biden is still unpopular
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Biden’s approval rating at 41 percent, close to the lowest level of his presidency.
Right now, 65% of Americans believe the country is going in the wrong direction, compared with 58% a year ago.
Like the UK, the US has also suffered from high inflation in recent months – but the Federal Reserve is expecting a “significant decline” through 2023.
Mr. Biden’s speech was designed to create an atmosphere of optimism ahead of his second presidential campaign in 2024, which is expected to begin in a few weeks.
He turns 80 in November and will be 82 if re-elected for a second term – and recent polls suggest this is a cause for concern among many Democratic voters.
