President Joe Biden will address the nation on Thursday, a moment that some experts say will be critical in kicking off the general election cycle.
The State of the Union is the president’s annual address to Congress and the American people and is reportedly one of the most watched political events. In 2023, 27 million Americans viewed the speech, according to The Hill.
The address typically calls attention to priorities and celebrates successes. With the general election approaching in November, Biden is expected to use the address to establish himself as the better presidential candidate over former President Donald Trump. Trump has secured the GOP nomination against contender Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race after Super Tuesday, as The Dallas Express reported.
“I think this week is when the general election really begins,” said Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist, per The Hill. “I think the tempo is going to increase; it’s going to feel far more like a general election campaign than it’s been in the last few months.”
Biden is expected to discuss efforts his administration has taken to reduce costs on goods that have impacted average Americans. Biden has recently used public speaking opportunities to flout a variety of measures to hold businesses accountable for artificially high prices.
On March 5, Biden announced a plan to reduce late fees banks charge, claiming the effort would save consumers billions. The Consumer Protection Agency will establish a new rule that will mandate banks can only charge a fee of $8, down from the industry average of $32. He also announced the creation of a strike force that will investigate unfair pricing by companies.
“The American people are tired of being played for suckers. Today, I am announcing a strike force on unfair and illegal pricing,” Biden said.
The State of the Union will also be an opportunity for Biden to try to prove to the American people that he has the strength and stamina for another term as president.
Biden’s age has become a significant concern for voters regardless of political party. A 2023 poll found that 70% of voters who participated in the survey believe Biden is “too old” to run for president, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Recently, DX reported that an investigation into Biden’s storage of classified materials from his time as vice president led investigators to report that Biden had trouble remembering important dates. Investigators further cited Biden’s advanced age as a reason for not filing charges similar to those filed against former President Trump.
