State of the Union: What to watch as Biden addresses the nation

By CHRIS MEGERIAN (Related Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State of the Union speech is without doubt one of the largest items of political theater yearly. It’s rooted in a easy requirement within the U.S. Structure that directs the president to “give to the Congress Data of the State of the Union, and advocate to their Consideration such Measures as he shall choose obligatory and expedient.” However in fashionable instances, it’s a televised extravaganza the place each element is rigorously scrutinized.

Right here’s how you can watch and what to search for throughout Thursday’s handle by President Joe Biden.

You will discover the State of the Union on all main networks, which can be carrying it stay. It’ll even be streamed on-line by the White Home and The Related Press. The speech begins at 9 p.m. ET.

You may discover a brand new face behind Biden when he begins his speech. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana grew to become the Home speaker in October after sad Republicans ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. Rep. Nancy Pelosi had the job earlier than McCarthy however misplaced it when Democrats did not maintain the bulk within the 2022 midterm elections.

That makes Johnson the third Home speaker to take a seat behind Biden throughout a State of the Union, reflecting the political instability in Washington and a difficult shift for Biden. Home management has fallen additional below the sway of the chamber’s proper flank, making it tougher for the president to chop offers with the opposing get together.

No president will get a free cross on the world’s largest stage, however Biden can be watched extra rigorously than most due to his age. At 81 years outdated, he’s the oldest commander-in-chief in historical past, and he could be 86 on the finish of a possible second time period.

Donald Trump, Biden’s Republican predecessor and certain opponent on this 12 months’s election, is 77. A majority of U.S. adults doubt both of them have the psychological capabilities to function president, in response to a brand new survey by The Related Press-NORC Middle for Public Affairs Analysis.

The State of the Union is an opportunity for Biden to dispel doubts about whether or not he’s up for the job at an age when most People are retired. Any verbal slips or obvious confusion would supply fodder for his opponents.

Maintain your ears open for any new coverage proposals. The State of the Union is an opportunity for presidents to put out their targets and rally People to assist their plans. For instance, Biden used a earlier speech to debate his “unity agenda,” which included expanded healthcare advantages for veterans.

The White Home hasn’t disclosed particular proposals that can be on this 12 months’s speech. However he may reference unfinished enterprise from his first time period, and he’ll seemingly press for army help for Ukraine to bolster American management abroad.

There are extra than simply lawmakers and high officers within the chamber for the speech. Politicians deliver visitors to the gallery to place a face to no matter subject they need to spotlight.