There’s something to be said for low expectations, and proof that President Joe Biden surpassed them came when his State of the Union address was criticised by naysayers for seeming overly energised, a stark contrast to the predicted weary performance. Though Biden’s commencement was slightly shaky, he swiftly adapted to the event and appeared to enjoy it towards the end. If he can make this energetic propensity a staple of his campaign, it could help mitigate concerns about his zest for the role.
A single speech won’t overturn Biden’s dwindling popularity, but it sets the stage for his campaign strategy. His State of the Union speech brought forth three key insights. First, only Biden can dispel concerns about his vigour- no proxy can accomplish this on his behalf. His spirited performance should put questions of his potential resignation to rest. Former President Bill Clinton once suggested that politicians should be judged with the sound off – in Biden’s case, it would indicate a born politician who would resist any effort to be pulled off the stage. People often forget due to his age that Biden was once the youngest serving senator, with his life wholly absorbed by politics. And at 81, it’s clear he isn’t planning a quiet retirement or a major alteration of his character.
Second, Biden has decidedly taken off his bipartisan gloves. The best line of defence is offence, a fact highlighted when Biden pointed criticism, about a dozen times, at his “predecessor”. The norm for most States of the Union speeches is to receive some measure of approval from all present, regardless of party affiliation. Biden, although not explicitly naming Donald Trump, broke convention by delivering a distinctively partisan address. This might have caused disapproval amongst some capitol hill figures, however, his approach was clearly intended for the current political climate. Conventional norms fail to address the singular challenge posed by Trump.
A particularly noteworthy observation from Biden’s State of the Union address was the Republican party’s conspicuously unresponsive demeanour. The setting, which is quite characteristically American, is familiar to even the least engaged citizens where ovational interruptions–often from representatives of both parties– are a frequent occurrence in the president’s speech. But it was not shocking that the appeal for increased tax on the rich, criticisms of their partisanship, or a pledge to defend Obamacare, didn’t resonate with the Republicans. Instead, what caught many off guard was their lack of enthusiasm during traditionally applause-inducing conservative lines. Normally, calls for resisting Russian transgressions or statements celebrating America would warrant Republican applause. But they remained stoically silent and unsmiling.
After presiding over the State of the Union, the cunning and well-spoken Biden pushed back on perceptions of him as ‘Sleepy Joe’, laying out his vision in a powerful address. However, his performance alone won’t dispel concerns about his age, which will inevitably dominate the unusual 2024 election campaign. Any energetic display could be overshadowed by a small misstep in the coming days.
On the side of the Republicans, a noticeable disconnect was on display. Given past voting records and logical discernment, it is evident that the majority of Republican lawmakers would support more aid for Ukraine, should Trump give the approval. But amid the absence of such approval, they had to suppress their natural inclinations toward foreign policy – and forego the traditionally American rousing endorsement of the Stars and Stripes. The silence from the Republicans was thus remarkably telling.
Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, had officially supported Trump’s presidential bid a day before Biden’s speech, despite once labelling him a “contemptible individual” in the aftermath of the Capitol Hill incident three years ago. The Republican side shows a mix of genuine Trump supporters and several McConnells who publicly pledge their loyalty to a man they secretly detest. The more Biden steers the public’s focus towards the unease surrounding Trump’s cult-like following, the more he thrives.
For more insights, analysis, and updates, tap into our Inside Politics Podcast, sign up for alerts, or connect with The Irish Times on WhatsApp.