WASHINGTON, D.C. – The President will give his State of the Union address Thursday evening. He’s expected to talk about issues important to Americans, like the economy, national security and coming together as a nation.
This is the last State of the Union for Biden’s first term. Experts said this will be Biden’s moment to be the so-called “Explainer in Chief”. Meaning, he needs to talk about major pieces of legislation passed in the first two years, like passing that bipartisan infrastructure bill, which impacts communities across the country.
Biden will address the nation at a time where many progressives are upset with him. Experts say a big reason for that is his handling of the Israel-Hammas conflict. Senior administration officials confirmed that Biden will announce tonight his plans to open a port to deliver aid to Gaza.
Experts say Biden needs to do all he can to bring his party together.
“The uncommitted delegate voters in Michigan, where a substantial portion or about two thirds of the margin that gave Joe Biden that state in 2020. So, he needs to win them back and needs to re-energize them,” said Dr. Todd Belt, Professor and Director of the Political Management Master’s Program at George Washington University. “Israel and Hamas is a very difficult one for him because he’s been a big supporter of Israel and has been criticized for being so. But at the same time, the Democratic Party is fracturing over this issue, and he needs to do what he can to unify it,” he added.
This is not supposed to be a campaign speech but rather an update to congress and the American people on Biden’s plans for our country. People are eager to hear from the President, but experts are looking out for Biden’s delivery. They say his age and competency are top of mind for many voters.
Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D- U.S. Virgin Islands) spoke with USVI News before Biden’s address to share what she’ll be listening for.
“I’m excited to hear the President outline all of the tremendous work that he and his Administration have been able to do. His years of experience here on the Hill have really panned out for the American people,” said Rep. Plaskett. “I think we are going to hear a list of the tremendous gains that have been made with President Biden putting people over politics.”
Plaskett believes Biden will focus on discussing his accomplishments, including those that have helped the Virgin Islands, like insulin caps.
“The Virgin Islands has a high propensity of individuals that have hypertension, diabetes. The cap that he has put on the price of insulin of $35 a month for seniors, followed by Eli Lilly and others who followed suit, when the President put that cap for seniors that were on Medicaid, is really a game changer to putting money back into so many families pocketbooks,” said Plaskett.
