Eyes, ears to be on President Biden for third State of the Union speech
WASHINGTON — The State of the Union speech is one of the biggest pieces of political theater every year. It’s rooted in a simple requirement in the U.S. Constitution that directs the president to “give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” But in modern times, it’s a televised extravaganza where every detail is carefully scrutinized.
Here’s how to watch and what to look for during Thursday’s address by President Joe Biden.
WHERE TO FIND IT
You can find the State of the Union on all major networks, which will be carrying it live. It will also be streamed online by the White House and The Associated Press. The speech starts at 9 p.m. ET.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
You might notice a new face behind Biden when he starts his speech. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana became the House speaker in October after unhappy Republicans ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. Rep. Nancy Pelosi had the job before McCarthy but lost it when Democrats failed to keep the majority in the 2022 midterm elections.
That makes Johnson the third House speaker to sit behind Biden during a State of the Union, reflecting the political instability in Washington and a challenging shift for Biden. House leadership has fallen further under the sway of the chamber’s right flank, making it harder for the president to cut deals with the opposing party.
BIDEN’S AGE
No president gets a free pass on the world’s biggest stage, but Biden will be watched more carefully than most because of his age. At 81 years old, he’s the oldest commanderin-chief in history, and he would be 86 at the end of a potential second term.
Donald Trump, Biden’s Republican predecessor and likely opponent in this year’s election, is 77. A majority of U.S. adults doubt either of them have the mental capabilities to serve as president, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The State of the Union is a chance for Biden to dispel doubts about whether he’s up for the job. Any verbal slips or apparent confusion would provide fodder for his opponents.
POLICY AGENDA
Keep your ears open for any new policy proposals. The State of the Union is a chance for presidents to lay out their goals and rally Americans to support their plans. For example, Biden used a previous speech to discuss his “unity agenda,” which included expanded health care benefits for veterans.