The 2019 State of the Union address by President Donald Trump was met with mixed reactions from the American people. Many felt that the speech was too long and lacked substance, while others felt that the President’s words were inspiring and addressed important issues. The speech was also criticized for being too partisan and neglecting to bring people together. Despite the criticism, most agreed that the the economy was strong and that the President was successful in promoting his policies.
US voters
President Biden delivered his 2023 State of the Union address on Tuesday – the annual address in which the US President lays out his agenda and attempts to sell his achievements to the public.
What did the Americans make of it?
Viewers across the country, with a range of political views, shared their candid thoughts with us when they tuned in.
While some said Mr Biden sounded measured and focused, others felt the speech remained shallow when addressing big issues.
There was a consensus on whether they wanted him to run for president again — but perhaps not in the way the president was hoping…
Isaiah
The speech in 3 words: Empty, hopeful platitudes
I don’t think he was unconvincing, but I didn’t hear anything in that speech that I don’t think would change anyone’s mind about his presidency or his plans for the future. I really appreciated some aspects like the discussion about the Inflation Control Act and the Infrastructure Act and the support for Medicare and Social Security. Insulin caps, senior citizen displays and everything that’s so important.
Something more personal from someone who lives in Memphis — that was one of the mildest reactions to police brutality and a police homicide on record. More first responder training and support staff is fine and all, but until we fundamentally restructure and regulate the police force, these things will continue to happen.
I don’t want him to run [for the presidency in 2024]. First, I basically think he’s too old. He has not demonstrated a strong, coherent agenda that resonates with a large percentage of the country except for Democrats, who “vote blue no matter who.” Of course, he wouldn’t be as bad as Trump or DeSantis, but is that what we’d hope for in a president?
Kathleen
The speech in 3 words: target missed
It was quite a loud crowd there tonight. They didn’t sound particularly united. What I heard was pretty random stuff from Mr. Biden. Junk fees at resorts? I don’t know if that was ever a critical concern for anyone. What I hear at work and in our community are concerns about inflation, drug overdoses, crime and the escalating situation in Ukraine.
My first impression was that Mr. Biden appeared a bit frail upon entering the chamber. I think the aging issue could become a real burden if he decides to run again in 2024. I wouldn’t vote for him outright, but if I were a Democrat I would look for a younger, coherent candidate. The world is a dangerous place right now, and we need a President to lead whatever political party he represents.
ann
The speech in 3 words: Moderate, impartial, focused
President Biden has accomplished a lot in his two years. The President inherited a country in the midst of a global pandemic and successfully led the country out of it. He was able to work across the aisle to achieve goals. Looking at its record, the plan and strategy to improve the state of the country is clear.
President Biden has a special way of connecting with the ordinary person. His message was optimistic and strong. What this country has overcome is unification. Right from the start, he reached out to a diverse collection of Americans and how his initiatives have helped them. And that’s true, his accomplishments have helped scores of Americans.
While I believe he could successfully serve another term, I don’t want him running unless the American people vote for him against a Republican candidate. Ultimately, for many Americans, he’s past an acceptable age for president, and that must be taken into account when choosing the Democratic nominee.
Luke
The speech in 3 words: Divisive, extremist, demoralizing
The President painted a rosy picture of a country that has plummeted under his watch. Millions are suffering trillions of reckless spending that Congress has pierced under his administration, leading to the worst inflation in decades that is disproportionately hurting low-income Americans. He failed to deliver a coherent plan to address this issue while ignoring issues where his government had failed and embarrassing himself on issues like the humanitarian border crisis he had fueled.
He peddled divisive anti-police rhetoric and racially divided Americans. Does anyone in the US sincerely believe that we are less divided as a nation today than we were two years ago? I don’t believe.
I want him to run in 2024 but only because I think he would lose. He has a historically low approval rating and little enthusiasm within his own party.
Tine
The speech in 3 words: Effective, patriotic, poignant
I think Biden has accomplished more in two years than most presidents have in recent years — the infrastructure deal, the chip deal, created more jobs in the market, and got us through the pandemic. He was the perfect successor to the former President, as he leads by action over word, for the sake of the American people, and with unity as the goal for the country. That said, I don’t think he should run again. I believe he will be too old for a second term – as will Trump.
Biden’s love for America and its people was palpable. I am impressed by his achievements so far. He had this ability to invoke a sense of patriotism in me.
mike
The speech in 3 words: Misleading, empty, unbelievable
Biden wasn’t convinced he had a plan. Most of what he said was all smoke and mirrors. On the surface, what he says sounds good, but very little if any of the things he says will actually come to fruition. Absolutely nothing has improved since he took office. Inflation, gas prices and the cost of living have all risen in the wake of the pandemic, and most Americans are no better off than they were two years ago.
His attempt to unite is a joke. He can’t say he’s united if he trumps Republicans and President Trump. A unifier would simply stick to their own plan and say what they would do to implement it.
I don’t think he should run again. He shouldn’t have run for office in 2020. He is not mentally fit to be president.
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