Power and Politics: Recap of President Biden’s State of the Union address

While President Biden certainly pushed a bipartisan movement, it was his first address to Congress since Republicans gained control of the House.

News 12 Staff

Feb 8, 2023, 12:14 PM

Updated 622 days ago

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President Joe Biden addressed the nation Tuesday night in his second State of the Union. He urged a bipartisan movement while touting his efforts to create jobs, fight inflation and improve the country's infrastructure.
While Biden certainly pushed a bipartisan movement, it was his first address to Congress since Republicans gained control of the House. As he listed off priorities for the year ahead, the somewhat feisty atmosphere and divided room alluded to fights that we will likely see ahead.
Biden ultimately pushed an agenda focused around reducing prescription drug costs, protecting abortion rights, and banning assault weapons. He also made it a point to note that unemployment was at a 50-year low, and the skyrocketing inflation we've seen is beginning to ease.
But republicans didn't stay quiet, interrupting Biden's speech over topics like budget priorities and border policy. Still, President Biden made the case he is best positioned for four more years of leadership.
“Two years ago, democracy faced its greatest threat since civil war, and today, though bruised, democracy remains unbowed and unbroken,” Biden said in his speech. “Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back, because choices we made in the last several years.”
Elected Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders offered a very different message with the official republican response. She brought up topics like inflation, taxes and education.
Ultimately, the divided congress set the stage for contentious battles ahead but both parties agree they are hopeful for what's to come.