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Follow live coverage of Biden’s State of the Union address on Fox News.
1. All about the border
One of the biggest crises of the Biden administration revolves around the southern border and the flood of immigrants entering into the country. President Biden backed a bipartisan bill to address immigration and provide additional border security funding, but many Republicans saw it as insufficient — and Biden has attempted to lay the blame on the GOP.
How Biden addresses the border, and whether he mentions Laken Riley – the student found brutally murdered in Georgia, allegedly by an illegal immigrant – will be crucial. But the White House pushed back on rumors that Biden would announce executive action related to the border during his speech.
Nearly 30 years ago, Biden’s predecessor Bill Clinton said in the 1995 State of the Union address that Americans are “rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country” – language that seems unthinkable coming from a Democratic president today.
President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event at Montgomery County Community College January 5, 2024 in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. In his first campaign event of the 2024 election season. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
2. Age-old question
Biden addresses Congress Thursday night amid growing concerns about his age and fitness for office. Republicans have long questioned Biden’s mental acuity, and polls indicate many voters do as well. And some congressional Democrats reportedly worry that Biden will make mistakes during his high-profile speech tonight.
People can even place prop bets on whether Biden makes any major gaffes.
Biden’s State of the Union address also comes days before a congressional hearing with Special Counsel Robert Hur — whose report on the president’s mishandling of classified documents also pointed out Biden’s embarrassing memory lapses. Hur is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
3. ‘American decline’
House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes Biden will address the economic malaise taking hold of the country, despite the administration’s insistence that “Bidenomics” is working.
“In just three years, President Biden’s policies have rapidly accelerated American decline on every issue from the economy to national security and foreign policy. The American people don’t need empty words on a page for a reset. We need better policies and a real leader,”
The formal Republican rebuttal to Biden’s address will be given by freshman Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas, will deliver the Spanish-language rebuttal.
4. Threats-to-Democracy watch
Grappling with negative approval ratings and trailing former President Trump in the latest polling average of their general election rematch, Biden may have a golden opportunity to try and turn the narrative around with eight months to go until the November showdown.
The White House told Fox News Digital that Biden will stress the importance of “uniting the country” and “saving our democracy.” He will draw a contrast between the “MAGA Republican agenda,” which he claims is focused on “rewarding billionaires and corporations with big tax breaks, taking away rights and freedoms and undermining our democracy.”
5. The special guests
First lady Jill Biden’s guests for the State of the Union address on Thursday night include an Alabama woman who is seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF), Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain.
“Each of these individuals were invited by the White House because they personify issues or themes to be addressed by the President in his speech, or they embody the Biden-Harris Administration’s policies at work for the American people. The Second Gentleman, Mr. Douglas Emhoff, will also join the First Lady in the viewing box,” her office said in a statement.
On the GOP side, members of Congress have invited ex-Hamas hostages and families of those still held in Gaza, a Cuban opposition leader, women’s sports activist Riley Gaines, families of victims of the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, and more.
White House
THE REAL TRAGEDY: John Kerry says people would ‘feel better’ about the Ukraine war if Russia would reduce emissions …Read more
‘OFFENSIVE’: Biden official who banned WWII kissing photo has long history of controversial moves …Read more
Capitol Hill
‘HOW MANY MORE’: Blistering ad right before Biden’s SOTU set to hold his feet to the fire on Laken Riley …Read more
FLASHBACK: Bill Clinton’s warning in 1995 State of the Union speech still rings shockingly true today …Read more
‘DEMORALIZING MISOGYNY’: LGBT student group seeks SCOTUS stay to hold drag show …Read more
DeSantis suspended his 2024 presidential campaign on Sunday, and endorsed Trump. (DeSantis 2024)
Tales from the Campaign Trail
‘SIGNED THE PLEDGE’: DeSantis criticizes Haley for not endorsing Trump …Read more
Across America
‘WARNING SIGN’: Democrats urge Biden to open eyes after voters abandon him …Read more
TIGHTROPE: Democrats divided over how Biden should thread needle on Israel-Gaza …Read more
BRING THEM HOME: Family members of 6 American hostages in Gaza to attend State of the Union …Read more
‘SANCTUARY STATE’: Maine considers bill that would establish abortion, sex changes a ‘legal right’ …Read more
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