Three takeaways from Biden’s State of the Union address

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Here are some takeaways from U.S. President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address before Congress on Tuesday, an address that could serve as a blueprint for his 2024 re-election bid:

BIDEN, REPUBLICANS SPAR

Biden, a Democrat, told Republicans in Congress, who have questioned his legitimacy and threatened to block his policies, that “there’s no reason we can’t work together.”

Many Republicans found reason to disagree even before his pronouncements began.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who once served as Trump’s press secretary, dismissed Biden’s speech in a prepared response.

“In far-left America, Washington is taxing you and burning your hard-earned cash,” she said.

And while Democrats quickly applauded, Republicans applauded sporadically and remained silent as Biden listed his administration’s accomplishments. Several Republican members remained seated throughout the session.

TREBLE, THEN AN OVATION

The loudest Republican jeer came when Biden accused Republicans of cutting Social Security and Medicare, something some members of the party had suggested but which Biden declined to name.

“Liar!” cried Republican US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

“We never said that!” said Byron Donalds, another House Republican.

Biden, who seemed on the verge of losing control of the space, took advantage of Republican lawmakers’ apparent support for the popular aging and health programs to say, “I’m enjoying the conversion.”

“We have reached unanimity,” he continued. “Social Security and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors. Americans have to pay into them from the very first paycheck they get.

“Get up and show them! We’re not going to cut Social Security!” said a cheerful-looking Biden to cheers as lawmakers from both parties stood.

ATTACK ON BIG COMPANIES

Biden used much of his supposedly bipartisan pitch to attack companies from what he called “big pharma” to “big oil” and “big tech.” Biden accused drug companies of overcharging for insulin but failed to mention their role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

He accused tech companies of conducting a for-profit “experiment” on children, said oil companies were making too much money and advocated higher taxes for billionaires.

“Big companies don’t just exploit tax laws,” Biden said. “They take advantage of you, the American consumer.”

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Gram Slattery and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Howard Goller)

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