Biden’s State of the Union Speech Far Exceeds Expectations - Horowitz

Biden’s State of the Union Speech Far Exceeds Expectations - Horowitz

President Joe Biden’s well-delivered and combative State of the Union address-- in which, in a marked break from tradition, he repeatedly contrasted his approach to that of his general election opponent-- far exceeded the low expectations set for him.  The president’s energetic delivery, his well-timed retorts to the unruly Republican members of Congress whose rudeness played right into his hands, as well as his direct taking on the age issue, accomplished the number one political goal of the evening: beginning to soften concerns that he is too old and enfeebled to do the job anymore, much less to do it for four more years.

 

In this effort, Biden benefited greatly from the constant Republican attacks on his so-called cognitive deficits as well as from some of his own weak public moments—ones that have been occurring more frequently in recent months.  There is no doubt in his overall appearance, his walk that is now more of a shuffle, and the marked decline in the quality of his voice, along with the return of the stuttering problem he had worked hard to overcome, Joe Biden looks and sounds every bit his 81 years.  Looking and sounding old, however, is not a synonym for having dementia or exhibiting senility. By falsely attacking Biden for no longer being in command of his faculties, Republican elected officials and right-wing commentators set a low bar that the president easily cleared.

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Mr. Biden employed some humor as he used the speech to directly confront concerns about his age and define the issue in his terms. “I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around awhile, declared the president. “When you get to my age, certain things become clearer than ever before.”   He went on to say,” In my career, I’ve been told I was too young. By the way, they didn’t let me on the Senate elevator for votes sometimes, not a joke. And I’ve been told I am too old. Whether young or old, I’ve always been known — I’ve always known what endures. I’ve known our North Star.”

 

“My fellow Americans, the issue facing our nation isn’t how old we are, it’s how old are our ideas,” the president concluded. “Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are the oldest of ideas. But you can’t lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back. To lead America, the land of possibilities, you need a vision for the future and what can and should be done. Tonight, you’ve heard mine.”

 

Mr. Biden was also particularly effective in elaborating on major contrasts with Donald Trump on issues where most Americans support the current president’s positions:  Standing up to Putin and aiding Ukraine; protecting democracy at home and ensuring no future January 6ths; and restoring abortion rights. On Ukraine, he went directly after Mr. Trump, contrasting his softness on Putin and Russian aggression with Ronald Reagan’s more robust approach. "But now, assistance to Ukraine is being blocked by those who want to walk away from our world leadership," remarked President Biden. “Wasn’t long ago when a Republican president named Ronald Reagan thundered, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Now, now my predecessor, a former Republican president, tells Putin, quote, do whatever the hell you want. That’s a quote. A former president actually said that, bowing down to a Russian leader. I think it’s outrageous, it’s dangerous, and it’s unacceptable.”

In an unintentional in-kind of contribution to the Biden campaign, the next evening Donald Trump feted one of Vladmir Putin’s closest allies and an authoritarian in his own right, Viktor Orbán, prime minister of Hungary, at Mar-a-Lago.  “There’s nobody that’s better, smarter, or a better leader than Viktor Orbán,” Mr. Trump declared in his introduction of the leader who has virtually eliminated Hungary’s free press. “He’s fantastic. As you know, he’s the Prime Minister of Hungary and does a great job.”  The decision to celebrate Orbán, as well as his nauseating, over-the-top praise for the Putin ally who has worked to silence his own domestic opposition and undermine the independence of the Hungarian judiciary confirmed in real time the validity of the concerns that Mr. Biden raised about his "predecessor"in the speech.

 

One speech, of course, will not by itself curb the major concerns that voters have expressed about Mr. Biden’s age. Research shows that the influence of State of the Union speeches on perceptions of presidential performance is limited and fade over time.  Voters' views of the impact of his advanced age on his ability to do the job remains the biggest obstacle to the president winning reelection. 

 

Joe Biden and his talented campaign team well-understand that this is a concern that will need to be continually addressed directly as well as refuted through an active campaign schedule, the president’s public performances, and advertising.  Toward that end, the Biden campaign followed up the State of the Union with several campaign appearances by Mr. Biden, coupled with a $30 million advertising buy targeted to swing states., The 60-second spot that is now running begins with the president saying, “Look, I’m not a young guy. That’s no secret.” It ends with this humorous outtake: “Look, I’m very young, energetic and handsome, what the hell am I doing this for?”

 

In the State of the Union, however,  Joe Biden took an important step forward in effectively disarming the potency of the age issue, as well as in unveiling a strong case for his re-election—one that is focused as much, if not more, on the threat posed by his unpopular and unfit opponent as on his own strengths.