Mar 1, 2024 - Politics & Policy

What Biden will tell the nation at next week's State of the Union

Alex Thompson

President Joe Biden addresses Congress during the 2023 State of the Union. — Biden speaks during last year's State of the Union address on Feb. 7, 2023. Photo: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images

President Biden's State of the Union address on Thursday will highlight "historic" accomplishments — from infrastructure spending to scrapping junk fees — and make the case for "protecting and implementing" that agenda, a White House official tells Axios.

The big picture: "The president will talk about whose side he is on and the work ahead to make life better for every American," the official said.

Why it matters: Based on this outline, Biden will focus on selling his existing accomplishments — "protecting" rather than pivoting — and betting voters will opt for stability over change in 2024.

Zoom in: The preview says the speech will cover "making the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share," "saving our democracy," and a "unity agenda" that includes curbing fentanyl, helping veterans and ending cancer.

These agenda items are similar to Biden's past State of the Union speeches.

Zoom out: The Biden team is focused on him delivering a vigorous performance as polls show widespread concerns about his age.

Biden's team believes they have a winning message but are hoping a high-profile, well-delivered speech can convince the country he is up to the job for another term.
Last year's speech — in which he jousted with Republicans on the fly — helped assuage Democratic concerns about his ability to run for re-election.

Go deeper: House Speaker Johnson invites Biden to deliver State of the Union address on March 7

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What Biden will tell the nation at next week's State of the Union

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