It comes at a difficult time for Biden who is being disapproved of his handling the economy and the pandemic. This address comes just days after Russia declared war on Ukraine, despite U.S. efforts to stop military conflict. It follows Biden’s announcement last Wednesday of his nominee for a spot on the Supreme Court.
WHERE CAN I LISTEN OR WATCH?
The speech will air at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will be broadcast on major networks and cable news channels. The White House will stream the speech at WH.gov/live as well as its YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages. C-SPAN Radio, C-SPAN Radio, and C-SPAN.org will provide live coverage. NPR will stream the speech via its website, www.npr.org and its app. It also offers live coverage to its member stations.
This is one of the biggest audiences Biden will reach this year. A total of 26.9 millions viewers across 16 television networks viewed his speech to Congress last year. It was not a State of the Union speech. This was the lowest audience since 1993 for the annual presidential speech.
Watch out for Biden’s 1st State of the Union Address
By DARLENE SUPERVILLEyesterday
On Monday, February 28, 2022, the Capitol in Washington is visible as the speaker’s podium in the House of Representatives. As a senator and vice-president, President Joe Biden was present at many State of the Union speeches. He will deliver the address on Tuesday night. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (AP), — As a senator and vice-president, President Joe Biden sat through numerous State of the Union speeches. He will deliver the address on Tuesday night.
It comes at a difficult time for Biden who is being disapproved of his handling the economy and the pandemic. This address comes just days after Russia declared war on Ukraine, despite U.S. efforts to stop military conflict. It follows Biden’s announcement last Wednesday of his nominee for a spot on the Supreme Court.
WHERE CAN I LISTEN OR WATCH?
The speech will air at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will be broadcast on major networks and cable news channels. The White House will stream the speech at WH.gov/live as well as its YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages. C-SPAN Radio, C-SPAN Radio, and C-SPAN.org will provide live coverage. NPR will stream the speech via its website, www.npr.org and its app. It also offers live coverage to its member stations.
This is one of the biggest audiences Biden will reach this year. A total of 26.9 millions viewers across 16 television networks viewed his speech to Congress last year. It was not a State of the Union speech. This was the lowest audience since 1993 for the annual presidential speech.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE WORRIES
Russia-Ukraine War : Russia launches attack on cities in Ukraine
“Undisguised terror”: Russia’s Kharkiv strike chills Ukraine
Some report mistreatment of non-Ukrainian refugees fleeing war.
During the Russian war, 60M barrels are agreed to be released by nations
HOW WILL BIDEN DECRIBE THE STATE OFF THE UNION?
The White House would not tell you in advance. Regardless of the times, presidents have always opened these speeches by declaring that the state of our union “is strong” or similar words.
Barbara Perry, the director of presidential studies at University of Virginia’s Miller Center thinks Biden should acknowledge that rising prices for staples such as food and gas are making people feel squeezed.
Perry stated, “Say that the state of the Union is strong and explain why he believes that,” but then he said that people feel pain and explained what he was doing to correct it.
WHAT WILL BIDEN TALK ABOUT?
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated that Biden would “absolutely use inflation” to talk about his plans to reduce costs. She said that he will also appeal to Congress to take action on his stalled proposals for lowering prescription drug and elder care costs.
Psaki stated that Biden would explain the U.S.’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He will also rally the West to support Ukrainians who want to stay independent. Only 26% of those surveyedin a recent Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll believed that the U.S. should play a significant role in the conflict.
Biden could also discuss Judge Ketanji brown Jackson, his nominee to fill an opening on the Supreme Court.
Will things look different because of the PANDEMIC
Participants at the address will not need to wear masks. This is due to the updated mask guidance that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued last week. It was created in response to a sharp decline in deaths, hospitalizations and cases caused by the coronavirus omicron strain.
Psaki stated Tuesday that Biden would not wear a mask. Last year, Congress required that Biden cover his face.
All members of Congress were invited. Last year, attendance was restricted and guests were prohibited to permit social distancing. Tuesday will be the last day guests are allowed.
Attendees will still need to pass COVID-19 and take social distancing steps.
A minimum of half a dozen legislators, including Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), both members on the panel investigating last year’s Capitol Riot, and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) were not expected to attend the speech after reporting positive COVID-19 test results.
Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio said that he would not give the speech because he does not want to participate in COVID “theater.”
ARE THERE ANY SECURITY CONCERNS
Although there are no credible threats to the speech, law enforcement officials have put up additional fencing around the U.S. Capitol. The National Guard is available and police cars equipped with flashing lights are placed at major intersections. Nobody wants to repeat the events of January 6, 2021 when a mob attacked the building and disrupted the certification of Biden’s 2020 presidential win.
WHAT WILL THE REPUBLICANS DO?
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is the assigned. Reynolds is the state’s first female governor. Reynolds was also the first governor to mandate that schools reopen for in-person, full-time learning.
Republican leaders claim that the GOP-led states are doing a better job of tackling the pandemic than federal government, which is run by Democrats. Reynolds opposed vaccine and mask mandates and expressed doubts about the effectiveness masks can have in slowing the spread of the virus.
The party also announced that Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) will deliver the Working Families Party Response. Tlaib will support Biden’s agenda and urge Democrats to adopt policies that are responsive to people’s needs. She will also rally progressives for strong majorities at the midterm elections.
WHAT ABOUT THE FIRST LADY?
Jill Biden will be taking her usual seat in the gallery overlooking House chamber with a group that includes Oksana Marcarova, Ukraine’s ambassador in the U.S.; Frances Haugen, Facebook whistleblower; and Patrick Gelsinger, Intel CEO.
WHAT HAS BIDEN’S HISTORY COMING TO THE STATE OF UNION?
Biden served as a U.S. senator 36 years. He was present at many State of the Union speeches. Biden was elected vice president in 2009. He sat on the rostrum with the House speaker for President Barack Obama’s State of the Union addresses.
