State of the Union – live: Reaction and key points from Biden’s 2023 address
President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday night.
Among the topics he covered: the “spy balloon” diplomatic row with China; his plan to increase taxes on billionaires and corporations; police reform in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols; and the wars on cancer and the illegal fentanyl trade.
Mr Biden highlighted the policy successes of his administration’s first two years and – appearing feisty and combative at times – responded to repeated heckles and boos from Republican lawmakers.
Among the ruckus was Marjorie Taylor Greene who chose to scream “liar” at the president moments as he spoke about some GOP members’ plans to slash and sunset Medicare and Social Security.
At one point, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shushed members of his own party when they interrupted Mr Biden’s tribute to a fentanyl victim.
There were bipartisan moments of applause over police reform and Ukraine as guests including Nichols’ parents and Bono looked on. The president also made efforts to highlight moments in which both parties have worked together
Key Points
Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union
Marjorie Taylor Greene screams ‘liar’ at Biden as she’s mocked for ‘dressing like Cruella de Vil'
GOP lawmaker shushed after heckling Biden tribute to fentanyl victim
Biden on downing Chinese spy balloon: ‘We will protect our country’
Tyre Nichols’ family, Monterey Park hero, Bono all attend SOTU
Mitt Romney has tense exchange with George Santos
Jill Biden mocked over awkward kiss with Doug Emhoff at State of the Union
17:00 , Joe Sommerlad
One of the stranger moments from Joe Biden’s second State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening came when his wife, First Lady Dr Jill Biden, approached her seat in the gallery and encountered Doug Emhoff, husband of vice president Kamala Harris.
Making her way along the row past applauding guests, Dr Biden held the second gentlemen’s hand before the pair exchanged a friendly kiss, after which the first lady slid past Mr Emhoff and shook hands with Irish rock star Bono and Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House speaker Nancy Pelosi who is in recovery after recently being attacked in his home by an intruder.
This brief moment has since been described by The New York Post as a “cosy display” which added that “no one in the immediate vicinity seemed fazed by the kiss”.
That has not been the case on social media, however, where C-Span and Fox footage of the moment has gone viral, prompting excitable conservative commentators to make a federal case out of it.
Read more:
Jill Biden mocked over awkward kiss with Doug Emhoff at State of the Union
Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked for dressing ‘like Cruella de Vil’ at State of the Union
16:30 , Io Dodds
In the hours preceding Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, it was clear that Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene hoped to draw as much attention as possible to herself.
Yet few could have anticipated her elaborate white fur outfit, which drew mockery and numerous comparisons to the Disney villain Cruella de Vil on social media.
“I think when the State of the Union is over, @RepMTG will be looking for some dalmatians to kill,” joked the comedy writer Travon Free on Twitter, posting a photo of Ms Greene’s voluminous fur coat and towering collar.
Read more:
Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked for ‘Cruella de Vil’ outfit at State of the Union
China says it was smeared in Biden State of the Union speech
16:00 , The Associated Press
China says it was smeared in U.S. President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address that repeatedly mentioned competition between the two countries.
China does not fear competing with the U.S. but is “opposed to defining the entire China-U.S. relationship in terms of competition,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing Wednesday.
“It is not the practice of a responsible country to smear a country or restrict the country’s legitimate development rights under the excuse of competition, even at the expense of disrupting the global industrial and supply chain,” Mao said.
China will defend its interests and the U.S. should work with it to “promote the return of bilateral relations to a track of sound and stable development,” she said.
Mao’s comments came against a background of raging disputes over trade, Taiwan, human rights and access to advanced technologies.
Read more:
China says it was smeared in Biden State of the Union speech
Biden makes Wisconsin his 1st stop after State of the Union
15:30 , The Associated Press
President Joe Biden on Wednesday was headed to Wisconsin, a battleground state he won by the slimmest of margins in 2020, to press his economic message and other themes from his State of the Union address in the window before his next big speech: announcing a possible reelection bid.
Biden was set to promote his economic plan at a training center run by the Laborers’ International Union of North America in Deforest, Wisconsin, near Madison, the White House said.
Addressing the nation Tuesday night, Biden said his plan had helped create 800,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs across the country since 2021, when he took office.
“Where is it written that America can’t lead the world in manufacturing again?” he said.
At the union center, the Democratic president will meet with workers and apprentices who are learning how to do the jobs that are being created as a result of several pieces of major legislation, some of them passed with Republican support, that Biden signed into law.
Read more:
Biden makes Wisconsin his 1st stop after State of the Union
How long was Biden’s State of the Union address? Here’s how the address compares to past speeches
15:00 , Abe Asher
President Joe Biden’s second State of the Union address was one of the longest such speeches of the last 60 years.
Mr Biden’s speech on Tuesday night clocked in at one hour, 12 minutes, and 40 seconds – making it the eighth-longest State of the Union address of the last 60 years, according to data compiled by UC Santa Barbara’s The American Presidency Project..
The addresses that outlasted Mr Biden’s speech on Tuesday night were delivered exclusively by two men: Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, with Mr Clinton giving four speeches that ran longer than Mr Biden’s and Mr Trump giving three. Mr Clinton’s 2000 speech lasted more than a quarter-hour longer than Mr Biden’s did, clocking in at nearly an hour-and-a-half.
Mr Biden hit on a number of different policy areas on Tuesday night including corporate greed, infrastructure, police reform, veterans affairs, and foreign policy. His speech lasted some 10 minutes longer than his first State of the Union address did last year.
Read more:
How long was Biden’s State of the Union address?
Kyrsten Sinema sparks debate with ‘Grammy-worthy’ dress at State of the Union
14:30 , Abe Asher
Sen Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who recently left the Democratic Party and is facing a daunting path to re-election, again turned heads with her appearance at the State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
Ms Sinema wore a striking yellow dress to the event and was photographed joking with Sen Mitt Romney and standing to applaud a line from President Joe Biden. The speech was Ms Sinema’s first State of the Union since leaving the Democratic Party at the start of the year.
The frock drew mixed reactions on social media, with many users remarking that she confused the event with the Grammy Awards earlier this week.
More intense critics drew comparisons between the bright yellow look and cartoon characters, including Big Bird from Sesame Street and the yellow Teletubby.
Others lumped Ms Sinema in with Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was compared to Cruella De Vil in a white coat with a dramatic fur collar.
Read more:
Kyrsten Sinema sparks debate with ‘Grammy-worthy’ dress at State of the Union
Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union
14:15 , Oliver O'Connell
Within the first few minutes of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, it was clear the speech he would deliver Tuesday night was not the partisan diatribe some presidents have delivered at the outset of a period of divided government in years past.
Instead of the standard pleasantries presidents have used to begin the annual ritual for decades, Mr Biden opened with a joke.
Andrew Feinberg, The Independent’s White House correspondent, unpacks Mr Biden’s speech.
Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union speech
How progressives responded to the soft launch of Biden’s 2024 run
14:00 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden addressed Congress for his second State of the Union on Tuesday at a time when many in his own party are beginning to question whether he’s their man for 2024.
John Bowden reports.
How progressives responded to Joe Biden’s State of the Union
VOICES: At the State of the Union, Republicans showed who they really are – and it wasn’t pretty
13:40 , Oliver O'Connell
Holly Baxter writes:
Like most State of the Union speeches, this one was notable not for its content but for the drama that was unleashed on the margins. It began with a CNN report that Mitt Romney went up to George Santos in the chamber and told him, “You don’t belong here,” and it ended with Marjorie Taylor Greene heckling while dressed as Cruella de Vil.
But let’s rewind.
At the State of the Union, Republicans showed who they really are
13:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Moment Kevin McCarthy shushes lawmaker heckling during tribute to fentanyl victim
5 key takeaways from Biden’s combative State of the Union address
13:00 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden delivered his latest State of the Union address to a divided Congress, attempting to make the case that they can work together. Mr Biden also tried to show that despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the US economy is roaring back.
At the same time, Mr Biden drew some lines in the sand and laid out areas where he would not compromise with the GOP. The president touted his record as he tested the waters for a 2024 run for the White House.
Here are five takeaways from President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress from The Independent’s Eric Garcia who was in the chamber at the US Capitol tonight.
Five takeaways and fact check from Biden’s State of the Union
Surprise! Trump tried to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself
12:40 , Oliver O'Connell
Bet you didn’t see that coming!
John Bowden took a look at what the former president was posting over on Truth Social.
Trump predictably tries to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself
McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6
12:20 , Oliver O'Connell
When President Joe Biden condemned the January 6 Capitol riot and praised the resilience of American democracy at the beginning of his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, plenty in the House chamber stood and applauded.
Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House, did not.
Abe Asher reports.
Kevin McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6 riot
Why was Bono at the State of the Union?
12:10 , Rachel Sharp
The guestlist for the 2023 State of the Union included the families of victims of police brutality, a hero who disarmed the mass shooter in Monterey Park and an abortion rights activist – all gathered to listen to President Joe Biden’s address.
But, one person in particular raised eyebrows when he was spotted sitting in the gallery.
U2 frontman Bono was one of 26 people personally invited to the annual event by first lady Jill Biden and he took his seat in her box next to Paul Pelosi – the husband of former House speaker Nancy Pelosi – who was savagely beaten in a hammer attack at the couple’s home.
So why was Bono there?
Why was Bono at the State of the Union?
Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union
12:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of the Republicans who took strong offence to Joe Biden’s assertion that parts of the GOP wanted to make cuts to Social Security and Medicare, at his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Video captured her shouting “liar!” during Mr Biden’s remarks after he accused “not even a majority” of Republicans of wanting to target the entitlement programs for service cuts.
John Bowden reports on the jarring moment.
Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union
China spy balloon: Biden says US will not let China ‘threaten our sovereignty’
11:30 , Oliver O'Connell
US president Joe Biden has said he will act to defend his country’s “sovereignty” after shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the weekend.
In his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening, Mr Biden said he wanted “competition, not conflict” with China, but struck a combative tone towards any violations of US airspace.
Io Dodds reports.
Joe Biden says US won’t let China ‘threaten sovereignty’ after downing spy balloon
WATCH: Key moments from State of the Union
11:24 , Rachel Sharp
George Santos appears to have tense exchange with Mitt Romney
10:45 , Oliver O'Connell
Freshman Congressman George Santos appeared to be confronted by Mitt Romney, the anti-Trump Republican senator from Utah, on Tuesday as the embattled representative arrived in the House chamber for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
John Bowden reports on what was said.
Romney told George Santos he doesn’t belong in Congress during tense exchange
Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden on police reform
10:00 , Oliver O'Connell
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Joe Biden recognised the family of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beated to death in January during a traffic stop.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child,” Mr Biden said
Josh Marcus reports on that moment in Mr Biden’s speech.
Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden as calls for accountability
Read Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in full
09:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Below is the full text of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery.
State of the Union: Read Joe Biden’s full address
Migrant crossings at US border drop to lowest level in two years
08:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Border Patrol agents encountered less than 130,000 undocumented migrants at the southern border in January, the lowest level in two years, according to statistics from the Department of Homeland Security.
Overall border crossings fell from a record monthly high of 250,000 in December to 156,000, according to the data.
Josh Marcus reports.
Migrant crossings at US border drop to lowest level in two years
Bernie Sanders commended as only lawmaker to wear a mask at State of Union
07:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Sen Bernie Sanders of Vermont was heralded for protecting himself and others by wearing a KN95 mask at Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.
At 81 years old, Mr Sanders is at higher risk of serious illness should he contract Covid — a possibility at a crowded indoor event where it appeared no one else decided to wear a mask. Twitter users in particular were full of praise for the Vermont progressive’s willingness to stand out in the crowd.
Abe Asher reports.
Bernie Sanders commended as only lawmaker at wear a mask to the State of the Union
Romney told George Santos he doesn’t belong in Congress during tense exchange
06:45 , Oliver O'Connell
Freshman Congressman George Santos was confronted by Mitt Romney, the anti-Trump Republican senator from Utah, on Tuesday as the embattled representative arrived in the House chamber for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
John Bowden has the story of what went down in the House chamber.
Romney told George Santos he doesn’t belong in Congress during tense exchange
Here’s why members of Congress are wearing special pins at the State of the Union
06:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and a number of other Democrats attending the State of the Union address wore black pins with the year 1870 on them in reference to the year the first free, unarmed Black person was killed by a police officer.
The action by the CBC comes in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old man who was brutally beaten by Memphis police officers following a traffic stop in early January. He died in a hospital three days later.
Abe Asher has the details.
Members of Congress are wearing special pins at the State of the Union – here’s why
How progressives responded to the soft launch of Biden’s 2024 run
06:15 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden addressed Congress for his second State of the Union on Tuesday at a time when many in his own party are beginning to question whether he’s their man for 2024.
John Bowden reports.
How progressives responded to Joe Biden’s State of the Union
Who is State of the Union guest Brandon Tsay?
06:00 , Oliver O'Connell
When Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening, he will do so before an audience of legislators who have each brought along a special guest from their constituencies.
Among the most prominent this time will be RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, grieving parents of the slain Tyre Nichols, the recovering Paul Pelosi and the Irish rock star and campaigner Bono.
Undoubtedly one of the most astonishing is Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting.
Joe Sommerlad explains why Mr Tsay was there.
Who is State of the Union guest Brandon Tsay, hero of the Monterey Park shooting?
Huckabee Sanders says Biden has given into ‘woke mob’ in hardcore culture war speech
05:45 , Oliver O'Connell
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused President Joe Biden of being a slave to a “woke mob” in the Republican response to the president’s State of the Union address that leaned heavily on social conservatism that has animated much of the GOP.
Ms Sanders, who won her election last year, served as former president Donald Trump’s press secretary and touched on her time in that role during her speech. But for the most part, she said Mr Biden was putting America on poor footing.
She noted how she was the youngest governor in the country while Mr Biden was the oldest president in history, a record previously held by Mr Trump.
Eric Garcia watched Ms Sanders’ speech.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Biden has given into ‘woke mob’ in SOTU response
Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union
05:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Within the first few minutes of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, it was clear the speech he would deliver Tuesday night was not the partisan diatribe some presidents have delivered at the outset of a period of divided government in years past.
Instead of the standard pleasantries presidents have used to begin the annual ritual for decades, Mr Biden opened with a joke.
Andrew Feinberg, The Independent’s White House correspondent, unpacks Mr Biden’s speech.
Biden stares down Republican hecklers in feisty State of the Union speech
China spy balloon: Biden says US will not let China ‘threaten our sovereignty’
05:15 , Oliver O'Connell
US president Joe Biden has said he will act to defend his country’s “sovereignty” after shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the weekend.
In his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening, Mr Biden said he wanted “competition, not conflict” with China, but struck a combative tone towards any violations of US airspace.
Io Dodds reports.
Joe Biden says US won’t let China ‘threaten sovereignty’ after downing spy balloon
05:07 , Oliver O'Connell
McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6 riot
04:58 , Oliver O'Connell
When President Joe Biden condemned the January 6 Capitol riot and praised the resilience of American democracy at the beginning of his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, plenty in the House chamber stood and applauded.
Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House, did not.
Abe Asher watched the speech.
Kevin McCarthy doesn’t stand or applaud as Biden condemns Jan 6 riot
VOICES: At the State of the Union, Republicans showed who they really are – and it wasn’t pretty
04:52 , Oliver O'Connell
Holly Baxter writes:
Like most State of the Union speeches, this one was notable not for its content but for the drama that was unleashed on the margins. It began with a CNN report that Mitt Romney went up to George Santos in the chamber and told him, “You don’t belong here,” and it ended with Marjorie Taylor Greene heckling while dressed as Cruella de Vil.
But let’s rewind.
At the State of the Union, Republicans showed who they really are
Surprise! Trump tried to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself
04:45 , Oliver O'Connell
Bet you didn’t see that coming!
John Bowden took a look at what the former president was posting over on Truth Social.
Trump predictably tries to make Biden’s State of the Union all about himself
McCarthy shushes ‘classless’ Republican lawmaker for interrupting Biden tribute to fentanyl victim
04:30 , Oliver O'Connell
US Republican leader Kevin McCarthy was forced to shush hecklers in his own party as they interrupted President Joe Biden’s tribute to a fentanyl victim.
The newly-elected speaker of the House of Representatives could be seen pursing his lips to quiet his GOP colleagues during one testy moment of Mr Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening.
The heckling came as Mr Biden honoured Courtney Griffin of New Hampshire, who died in 2014 of a fentanyl overdose at the age of 20, and whose father Doug Griffin was in attendance at the speech.
Io Dodds reports on the moment.
Kevin McCarthy shushes GOP lawmaker for interrupting Biden tribute to fentanyl victim
Biden responds to heckling on Twitter
04:17 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden responds to the speech heckling on Twitter, reiterating his adlibbed line: “I welcome all converts.”
Look: I welcome all converts. But now, let’s see your budget. https://t.co/C8TFbV5FXj
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
5 key takeaways from Biden’s combative State of the Union address
04:15 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden delivered his latest State of the Union address to a divided Congress, attempting to make the case that they can work together. Mr Biden also tried to show that despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the US economy is roaring back.
At the same time, Mr Biden drew some lines in the sand and laid out areas where he would not compromise with the GOP. The president touted his record as he tested the waters for a 2024 run for the White House.
Here are five takeaways from President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress from The Independent’s Eric Garcia who was in the chamber at the US Capitol tonight.
Five takeaways and fact check from Biden’s State of the Union
Pelosi says hecklers ‘protest too much'
04:13 , Oliver O'Connell
In an appearance on CNN, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was asked about the Republican heckling during the speech: “I think they were protesting too much. It is part of who they are.”
She went on to describe it as “showbiz” and added: “For them, they were fairly well behaved.”
Of the speech, she was full of praise for Joe Biden: “We wanted a hopeful message and that’s what he gave us.”
Asked if he might face a challenge from another Democrat in 2024, she says: “No, I don’t.”
“He’s a unifier.”
Nancy Pelosi on CNN asked if there will be any Democratic challenger to @POTUS for 2024 nomination. “No, I don’t” she says. “He is a unifier”
— siobhan kennedy (@siobhankennedy4) February 8, 2023
Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden on police reform
03:58 , Oliver O'Connell
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Joe Biden recognised the family of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beated to death in January during a traffic stop.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child,” Mr Biden said
Josh Marcus reports.
Tyre Nichols’ emotional parents stand to applaud Biden as calls for accountability
Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union
03:38 , Oliver O'Connell
Georgia Congreswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of the Republicans who took strong offence to Joe Biden’s assertion that parts of the GOP wanted to make cuts to Social Security and Medicare, at his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Video captured her shouting “liar!” during Mr Biden’s remarks after he accused “not even a majority” of Republicans of wanting to target the entitlement programs for service cuts.
John Bowden has the story.
Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘liar’ at Biden during State of the Union
03:23 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden begins to wrap up by saying: “Democracy must not be a partisan issue. It must be an American issue.”
“Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong,” Biden says, concluding the State of the Union.
Biden closes by saying "I stand here tonight have served about as long as any of you have ever served here. But I've never been more optimistic about our future ... there's nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together." And his second SOTU is over. pic.twitter.com/ZckK8A097Y
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 8, 2023
03:22 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden says the “unhinged big lie” of Janaury 6 was echoed by the attack against Paul Pelosi.
Some House Republicans do not join the standing ovation for Mr Pelosi who is sitting in the upper area of the chamber with First Lady Jill Biden.
President Biden: "Here tonight in this chamber is the man who bears the scars of that brutal attack, but is as tough and strong and as resilient as they get, my friend, Paul Pelosi."
#SOTU #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/yFrqYDqwnD— CSPAN (@cspan) February 8, 2023
03:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden turns his attention to the war on cancer, introducing two parents whose daughter survived a battle with cancer.
For the lives we can save and for the lives we have lost, let this be a truly American moment that rallies the country and the world together and proves that we can do big things.
Let's end cancer as we know it.— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
03:18 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden calls for bipartisan legislation “to stop Big Tech from collecting personal data on kids and teenagers online” and hold social media companies “accountable”.
03:16 , Oliver O'Connell
The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg notes:
“President Biden, whose own son suffers from addiction, took time to recognize a father who lost a child to fentanyl. Some GOP members decided that would be a good time to heckle him. That may get them on Fox News later, but it’s not a good look for the rest of the country.”
President Biden, whose own son suffers from addiction, took time to recognize a father who lost a child to fentanyl.
Some GOP members decided that would be a good time to heckle him. That may get them on Fox News later, but it's not a good look for the rest of the country.— Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) February 8, 2023
03:15 , Oliver O'Connell
During a section on the opioid and fentanyl crisis a House Republican yells “it’s your fault” when he brings up deaths from the drugs.
House R yells "it's your fault" when Biden brings up fentanyl deaths
Their faces right after this moment pic.twitter.com/bpdDLc9dBX— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) February 8, 2023
“Let’s launch a major surge to stop fentanyl production, sale, and trafficking, with more drug detection machines to inspect cargo and stop pills and powder at the border.”
This earns applause from Speaker McCarthy.
Doug joined my State of the Union tonight.
He wrote Jill and me a letter about his daughter, Courtney. She had a contagious laugh and was only 20 years old when she lost her life from a fentanyl overdose.
Doug, we're with you in starting the journey towards America's recovery. pic.twitter.com/ZgGIfqrQF0— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
03:12 , Oliver O'Connell
Earlier Biden mentioned passing new laws to strengthen the rights of LGBTQ Americans.
.@KyrstenSinema, first openly bisexual US senator, stands and applauds as Biden speaks about passing new laws to strengthen rights for LGBTQ Americans. pic.twitter.com/rdVeb6MlGt
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) February 8, 2023
03:11 , Oliver O'Connell
“As we made clear last week, if China’s threatens our sovereignty we will act to protect our country. And we did!”
Biden: 'If China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did.' #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/YSN7zuIifg
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 8, 2023
“It’s never ever been a good bet to bet against America. Ever.”
There are chants of USA! USA! USA!
The audience chants 'U-S-A!' after Biden says, 'It's never ever been a good idea to bet against America' #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/ZzeEM9A67G
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 8, 2023
03:10 , Oliver O'Connell
China mentions the Chinese spy balloon and the action to take care of it by shooting it down.
Majorie Taylor Greene screams “China’s spying on us,” which leads to some telling her to shush.
Marjorie Taylor Greene screams "China's spying on us," which leads to some telling her to shush.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
03:08 , Oliver O'Connell
“One year ago, I reported to the nation just days after Vladimir Putin unleashed an unprovoked war against Ukraine. It was a test for the world: would we stand for the defense of democracy? Today, we know the answer. Yes, we would.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Boebert, Gaetz and other Republicans stay seated when Biden talks about defending democracy and Ukraine. Plenty of other Republicans get on their feet.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Boebert, Gaetz and other Republicans stay seated when Biden talks about defending democracy and Ukraine. Plenty of other Republicans get on their feet.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
03:07 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden mentions immigration and the need for bipartisan action.
There are chants of “secure the border” from House Republicans.
A bunch of Republicans start yelling "Secure the Border"
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
03:05 , Oliver O'Connell
There is also rapturous applause for an assault weapon ban from Democrats after hearing the story of Brandon Tsay, the hero who subdued a gunman at his parents’ dance studio.
Brandon joined me at my State of the Union tonight.
During a Lunar New Year celebration, he wrestled the semi-automatic pistol away from a gunman who had already killed 11 people.
He saved lives.
It's time we do the same and ban assault weapons once and for all. pic.twitter.com/jFEPrTMVCL— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
03:01 , Oliver O'Connell
President Biden says that when police officers or departments violate the public’s trust, they must be held accountable.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy joins the standing ovation.
02:59 , Oliver O'Connell
The Squad and members of the CBC get on their feet talking about policing reform.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
When Biden says "I know most cops are good. decent people" almost all members get on their feet, but members of the squad don't, though Ayanna Pressley and some others clap while staying seated.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:59 , Oliver O'Connell
“We have an obligation to make sure all people are safe. Public safety depends on public trust as all of us know. But too often that trust is violated,” says Mr Biden before introducting Tyre Nichols’s parents who are in the First Lady’s box just a week after burying their son who died after being severely beaten by police.
Joining us at the State of the Union are the parents of Tyre Nichols.
When I asked RowVaughn how she finds the courage to speak out, she shared her son “was a beautiful soul and something good will come from this.”
That's up to all of us. pic.twitter.com/HfPTbQMXpL— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
Almost unanimous applause and a standing ovation from the chamber.
Almost unanimous applause and a standing ovation for Tyre Nichols's parents who are in the First Lady's box.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:57 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden: 'While the virus is not gone, thanks to the resilience of the American people and the ingenuity of medicine, we have broken COVID's grip on us' #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/EXREEyRCyB
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 8, 2023
02:55 , Oliver O'Connell
“12 years of education is not enough to win the economic competition of the 21st century. If you want to have the best-educated workforce, let’s finish the job by providing access to preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.”
02:52 , Oliver O'Connell
“Pass my plan so we get seniors and people with disabilities the home care services they need and support the workers who are doing God’s work.”
02:51 , Oliver O'Connell
“We reduced exorbitant bank overdraft fees, saving consumers more than $1 billion a year. Let’s finish the job. Pass the Junk Fee Prevention Act to stop hotels and airlines, cable and internet companies, and online ticket sellers from ripping Americans off.”
02:51 , Oliver O'Connell
Senator Amy Klobuchar is thrilled that her legislative priorities are brought up throughout Biden’s speech.
“President just brought up my bipartisan shipping bill, antitrust tech bills AND ticketing issue! Momentum!”
President just brought up my bipartisan shipping bill, antitrust tech bills AND ticketing issue! Momentum!
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) February 8, 2023
Watch: Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts ‘Liar'
02:50 , Oliver O'Connell
02:47 , Oliver O'Connell
A spirited back-and-forth between Biden and the GOP side of the room after he mentioned Rick Scott's plan to sunset all legislation after five years.
Having covered the previous administration, I'm fairly certain Biden's predecessor would not have reacted as well.— Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) February 8, 2023
02:46 , Oliver O'Connell
The booing felt tense, but Biden appeared to take it in his stride.
Republicans start booing and yelping when Biden calls them out for running up the deficit and wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare. #SOTU. pic.twitter.com/Mfy9pHvJD2
— Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 8, 2023
Biden says so we all agree, Medicare and Social Security are off the table?
He gets a standing ovation.
02:44 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden mentions Trump adding to the deficit.
“Under the previous administration, America’s deficit went up four years in a row,” he says. “Because of those record deficits, no president added more to the national debt in any four years than my predecessor.”
There are boos from a number of Republicans.
Lots of shouts of “Liar” from Republicans when Biden says Republicans want to alter social security and medicare.
Rep Majorie Taylor Greene is seen shouting.
02:40 , Oliver O'Connell
Lots of reaction to the section on billionaires and corporations paying taxes.
Rashida Tlaib cheers on Biden when talking about taxing the rich, saying "Tell 'em"
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
Ted Cruz applauds when Biden says “The Tax system is not fair.” So do Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert.
Rashida Tlaib cheers on Biden when talking about taxing the rich, saying “Tell ‘em”.
Biden: “I’m a capitalist but pay your fair share.”
— Will Steakin (@wsteaks) February 8, 2023
02:37 , Oliver O'Connell
The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg notes:
“Biden has never been the most polished speaker, but tonight he’s relaxed, confident and sufficiently at ease to the point where he’s going off-prompter to crack jokes. He’s clearly enjoying himself.”
Biden has never been the most polished speaker, but tonight he's relaxed, confident and sufficiently at ease to the point where he's going off-prompter to crack jokes. He's clearly enjoying himself.
— Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) February 8, 2023
02:35 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden directly addresses GOP members who want to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and its cost-saving measures for prescription drugs for seniors.
“Make no mistake, if you try anything to raise the cost of prescription drugs, I will veto it,” he says.
02:31 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden mentions the insulin cap. Democrats tried to pass a cap on insulin in the Inflation Reduction Act but the Senate Parliamentarian only allowed it for Medicare recipients.
“Let’s finish the job this time. Let’s cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American who needs it.”
Biden says "Let’s finish the job this time. Let’s cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American who needs it."
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:28 , Oliver O'Connell
Matt Gaetz applauds when Biden says “Tonight, I’m also announcing new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made in America.”
Matt Gaetz applauds when Biden says "Tonight, I’m also announcing new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made in America."
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:27 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden gives a shout out to union iron worker Saria who is looking forward to working on the new bridge over the Ohio River.
Saria joined me at my State of the Union tonight. She's an ironworker and proud member of Iron workers Local 44 who built the Cincinnati skyline.
Saria said she can’t wait to be ten stories above the Ohio River building that new bridge.
Pride. That's what we're building. pic.twitter.com/FB6qQHneHS— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
02:26 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden: 'I promised to be the president for all Americans' #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/XyVWbwuAOi
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 8, 2023
02:24 , Oliver O'Connell
“Now we’re coming back because we came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System.”
Biden takes a swipe at Republicans saying “And to my Republican friends who voted against it but still ask to fund projects in their districts, don’t worry. I promised to be the president for all Americans.”
Biden takes a swipe at Republicans saying "And to my Republican friends who voted against it but still ask to fund projects in their districts, don’t worry. I promised to be the president for all Americans."
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:22 , Oliver O'Connell
“I’ve been criticized for saying this but I’m not changing my view: We’re gonna make sure that the supply chain for America begins in America.”
State of the Union 2023: Read the full speech
02:21 , Oliver O'Connell
Below is the full text of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery.
State of the Union: Read Joe Biden’s full address
02:21 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden touts the CHIPS and Science Act, which passed on a bipartisan basis while touting the economy. Some Republicans who voted for it and all Democrats applaud it. (And Sinema)
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Labor Secretary (and designated survivor) Marty Walsh comments on the Biden economic record:
☑️12.1 million jobs created – a record
☑️ Lowest unemployment rate in 50+ years
☑️ 38 states have unemployment rates below 4%
☑️ 10 million small business applications – a record
☑️ Annual inflation has fallen for 6 months in a row #sotu2023— Secretary Marty Walsh (@SecMartyWalsh) February 8, 2023
02:18 , Oliver O'Connell
“I ran for President to fundamentally change things, to make sure the economy works for everyone so we can all feel that pride in what we do.”
Biden mentions unemployment "at 3.4%, a 50-year low. Near record low unemployment for Black and Hispanic workers." Some polite hand claps from some Republicans but not all.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
Biden mentions unemployment “at 3.4%, a 50-year low. Near record low unemployment for Black and Hispanic workers.”
Biden: 'When the middle class does well, the poor have a ladder up and the wealthy still do very well. We all do well.' #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/Q1xZXa2luc
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 8, 2023
02:16 , Oliver O'Connell
“Two years ago, Covid had shut down our businesses, closed our schools, and robbed us of so much. Today, Covid no longer controls our lives.”
“Two years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat since the Civil War. Today, though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken.”
“You know, we’re often told that Democrats and Republicans can’t work together. But over these past two years, we proved the cynics and the naysayers wrong... Time and again, Democrats and Republicans came together.”
“In fact, I signed over 300 bipartisan laws since becoming President”
Biden touts his bipartisan bona fides, saying "In fact, I signed over 300 bipartisan laws since becoming President"
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:13 , Oliver O'Connell
Biden says the economy has created “a record 12 million new jobs, more jobs created in two years than any president has ever created in four years.”
02:12 , Oliver O'Connell
More congratulations:
- Hakeen Jeffries, as the first Black House minority leader
- Mitch McConnell, as the longest-serving Senate leader
- Chuck Schumer, for increasing his majority
- Nancy Pelosi, who he says “will be considered the greatest Speaker in the history of this country”.
02:11 , Oliver O'Connell
Speaker Kevin McCarthy introduces the President of the United States saying it is a distinct honour.
The president begins by congratulating Mr McCarthy on his new position as speaker.
Biden begins by "by congratulating the members of the 118th Congress and the new Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy" to applause from Republicans. "Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working together." that leads to laughs
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) February 8, 2023
02:07 , Oliver O'Connell
The president is led in by the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms.
POTUS arrives in the House for #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/0U6sQtGS1w
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) February 8, 2023
Biden enters the chamber to a round of applause
02:07 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden enters the chamber to a loud round of applause.
There are cheerful greetings from lawmakers lining the centre aisle.
He is followed by Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Cory Booker.
Rep George Santos who had secured an aisle seat made eye contact with President Biden but they did not shake hands.
President Biden clearly looked Rep. Santos in the eye but they did not shake hands. They didn’t appear to say anything to one another from my vantage point.
— Garrett Haake (@GarrettHaake) February 8, 2023
What progressives want to hear from a president preparing for 2024
02:01 , Oliver O'Connell
Representatives of two progressive groups who spoke to The Independent ahead of Tuesday night’s prime-time event agreed that it was Mr Biden’s first opportunity — and test — to appear like his party’s standard-bearer ahead of the next presidential election cycle.
Here’s what they said.
What progressives want to hear from State of the Union as Biden prepares for 2024
01:58 , Oliver O'Connell
After the entrance of the Supreme Court Justices and the first lady, the cabinet enters the chamber, shaking hands with lawmakers as they make their way down the aisle.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) arrives for #SOTU2023. pic.twitter.com/jmyz6hZfnJ
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 8, 2023
Designated Survivor tonight is Marty Walsh
01:56 , Oliver O'Connell
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is the designated survivor tonight.
MARTY WALSH is tonight’s designated survivor, the Cabinet member who is the chosen one to keep the government running if there's a catastrophe at the Capitol while everyone is gathered for State of the Union address. (Photo of Cabinet by @SecDebHaaland) https://t.co/NTKPpjR0iX pic.twitter.com/Mb9uARleZY
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) February 8, 2023
Harris and McCarthy chatting ahead of speech
01:55 , Oliver O'Connell
The vice president and the House speaker appeared chatty and amiable in their first state of the union together on the rostrum. Two Californians of the same generation born fewer than 100 days apart. pic.twitter.com/ut00UD5ycU
— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) February 8, 2023
What will Biden say in his State of the Union speech?
01:50 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden will use his second State of the Union address to call on Congress to continue enacting the kinds of significant bipartisan legislation that formed the backbone of his legislative programme in 2021 and 2022, and to eschew the partisan rancor that has been typical of divided government in America over the last few decades.
Andrew Feinberg previews the president’s remarks.
Biden SOTU will urge Congress to ‘finish the job’ with ‘blue-collar blueprint’
In pictures: Congress gathers for State of the Union
01:47 , Oliver O'Connell
Is Biden running for president in 2024?
01:45 , Oliver O'Connell
It’s worth asking if he will indeed be a candidate in the next presidential election.
The answer to that question, however, is almost certainly yes, writes Andrew Feinberg.
Will Joe Biden run for president in 2024?
Watch — Biden: State of the Union ‘great shape’ and ‘getting better’
01:42 , Oliver O'Connell
Q: "What the state of the union."
President Biden departing the White House: "Great shape. Getting better."
President Biden: #SOTU #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/75uZOI1G3M— CSPAN (@cspan) February 8, 2023
Voices: Who to keep an eye on during the speech
01:40 , Oliver O'Connell
Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill on who he’ll be watching from the press gallery as President Joe Biden delivers his speech.
Who we will be watching from press gallery during Biden’s State of the Union address
Watch — Biden: ‘Why tonight is so important’
01:38 , Oliver O'Connell
I’m about to head over to give the State of the Union address.
But before I do, I want you to know why tonight is so important. pic.twitter.com/fG5rZFPZFK— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2023
Who is attending this year’s State of the Union address?
01:35 , Oliver O'Connell
As is customary, the president will be flanked by the House speaker, Mr McCarthy, and his vice president, Kamala Harris, as he delivers his speech to the assembled members of the House and Senate, with family, friends and specially invited guests looking down from the balcony of the lower chamber.
Among the parties already invited to attend this year’s event include RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, and Brandon Tsay, the hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting.
Here’s a guide to everyone confirmed so far.
Who is attending this year’s State of the Union address?
How long will the speech be?
01:33 , Oliver O'Connell
CSPAN published this handy chart showing the average length of State of the Union speeches. Last year President Biden’s speech was 62 minutes long.
Average length of State of the Union addresses. #sotu #sotu2023 pic.twitter.com/IKglor4lNE
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 8, 2023
Voices: Why this year’s State of the Union Address will be so different
01:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Ahmed Baba writes:
This year’s State of the Union Address will be very different from the last in more ways than one. Personifying the new era of divided government, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will be sitting behind President Biden’s left shoulder next to Vice President Kamala Harris. But even with the new backdrop and looming headaches, Joe Biden appears to be feeling good about where he stands. So good, in fact, his sights are already set on how he can lock in term number two.
Why this year’s State of the Union will be so different
‘The View’ grills press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre over Biden’s poll numbers
01:18 , Oliver O'Connell
While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was able to flag the Biden administration wins during an appearance on ABC’s The View ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, she also faced a grilling over the president’s poor poll numbers.
Co-host Sara Haines noted that an ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 40 per cent of Americans felt worse off since Joe Biden took office — the highest that number has been in decades.
Asked about Americans' concerns about the economy, White House @PressSec tells #TheView: "We understand Americans are still feeling some of that struggle, they are still feeling what we have gone through — one of the worst pandemics in a century." https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/pFzvSl5ry3
— The View (@TheView) February 7, 2023
Ms Jean-Pierre conceded it had been a hard couple of years, the president has also “transformed” how we think about the economy from “trickle down” to “bottom up, middle out”.
She also dismissed poor polling adding that the number fluctuate too much to prioritised.
Alyssa Farah Griffin also asked about polling data saying that 58 per cent of Democrats or Democrat-leaning voters would prefer a different candidate to the president in 2024.
Noting she is unable to comment on the president’s plans for 2024 except by repeating what he has said, she said: “He intends to run.”
White House @PressSec Karine Jean-Pierre to #TheView: "[Pres. Biden] has said very explicitly, many, many times, that he intends to run [in 2024]." https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/jnADzE5JZL
— The View (@TheView) February 7, 2023
Biden approval rating remains stagnant ahead of State of the Union address
01:10 , Oliver O'Connell
US President Joe Biden’s public approval rating sat at 41 per cent — close to the lowest level of his presidency — as he prepared for a major speech on Tuesday that is expected to serve as a blueprint for a 2024 re-election bid, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.
The three-day national poll, which closed on Sunday, also showed 65 per cent of Americans think the country is on the wrong track - up from 58 per cent a year earlier.
In a presidency buffeted by soaring inflation and a persistent global health crisis, Biden began 2023 buoyed by unexpectedly strong midterm election results for Democrats and signs that consumer price increases were ebbing.
But he has also faced new criticism over a probe into classified documents found in his home in recent months, after he had condemned former President Donald Trump for allegedly mishandling classified documents when he left the White House in 2021.
Biden’s 41 per cent job approval is essentially unchanged from the 40 per cent recorded three weeks earlier. The Reuters/Ipsos poll has a margin of error of three percentage points either way.
It is an unpopularity that has proved remarkably persistent, drifting as low as 36 per cent in May and June of 2022 but holding near 40 per cent for most of the last year.
In past decades, presidents only occasionally went through extended periods with approval as low as that of Biden, although Donald Trump spent much of his 2017-2021 presidency with similar levels of approval and at points sank even lower, hitting 33 per cent in December 2017.
Biden, 80, is expected to launch another run for the White House in the coming weeks, and his State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to highlight massive infrastructure and inflation laws he signed in his first two years in office.
Reuters
What will Trump be doing tonight?
01:03 , Oliver O'Connell
Apparently “by popular request” former president Donald Trump will be giving a “live and full ‘play by play’ analysis” of the State of the Union address tonight.
Buckle up.
How much has the US spent on the defence of Ukraine
00:54 , Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden will call on Congress to unify on Tuesday as he delivers his second State of the Union speech, and his first before the House’s new Republican majority.
And one of the top reasons for that call for unity is his desire to continue providing aid to Ukraine as the country fights back a brutal invasion launched by Russia’s military last year.
John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.
How much has the US contributed to the defence of Ukraine?
Labor Secretary leaving Biden administration amid offers to lead NHL Players’ Association
00:40 , Oliver O'Connell
US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh plans to depart the Biden administration, making him the first major cabinet-level official to leave the White House this term, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed people familiar with the decision.
Mr Walsh has reportedly been offered a role leading the National Hockey League Players’ Association, a labour organisation that represents the NHL’s athletes in the US and Canada.
Josh Marcus reports.
US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh leaving Biden administration for potential NHL job
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
