Washington, D.C. (AP) – President Joe Biden exhorted Congress Tuesday night to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a State of the Union address aimed at reassuring a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions.
In his 73-minute speech, Biden sought to portray a nation dramatically improved from the one he took charge of two years ago: from a reeling economy to one prosperous with new jobs; from a crippled, pandemic-weary nation to one that has now reopened, and a democracy that has survived its biggest test since the Civil War.
“Folks, the story of America is a story of progress and resilience. Of always moving forward. Of never, ever, giving up,” Biden said. “It’s a story unique among all nations. We’re the only country that has emerged from every crisis we’ve ever entered stronger than when we got into it.”
“We’re not finished yet by any stretch of the imagination,” he declared.
The backdrop for the annual address was markedly different from the previous two years, with a Republican speaker now sitting expressionless behind Biden and newly empowered GOP lawmakers in the chamber sometimes shouting criticism of him and his administration.
As Biden, 80, prepares for a likely reelection bid, he sought to prove to a skeptical nation that his stewardship has delivered results both at home and abroad. He highlighted record job creation during his tenure as the country has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, and pointed to areas of bipartisan progress in his first two years in office, including on states’ vital infrastructure projects and high-tech manufacturing. And he said, “There is no reason we can’t work together and find consensus on important thing in this Congress as well.”
One member of that Congress, Tim Walberg… who represents Lenawee County and the rest of southern Michigan… released the following statement reacting to the President’s State of the Union Address:
“President Biden’s speech was disappointing. It reflects a disconnect with the realities Americans are facing due to his failed policies.
Over the weekend, an ABC News-Washington Post poll showed more Americans are worse off financially since Biden took office compared to any other presidency since polling began.
In contrast to the President’s agenda, I’ll continue working with my colleagues to advance legislation to fight inflation, unleash energy production and reduce gas prices, defend individual liberties, and project strength on the world stage again.” Here is the audio file of Walberg’s response:
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