MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Everyone talks about the political theater when presidents give the State of the Union every year. But with a war in Europe threatening, words really do matter knowing a crazed Russian dictator was likely watching hoping to see a divided Congress.
But instead, Mr. Biden got bipartisan support on Ukraine. Republicans joined Democrats in applauding during most points including his decision to issue sanctions and close U.S. airspace to any Russian flights.
"Putin's war was premeditated and unprovoked," Biden said. "He rejected efforts at diplomacy. He thought the West and NATO wouldn't respond. And he thought he could divide us here at home. Putin was wrong. We were ready. We were united and stayed united."
In addition to the war in Ukraine, President Biden spent most of his speech on domestic issues, especially the economy and inflation.
"We have a choice," Biden said. "One way to fight inflation is to drive down wages and make Americans poorer. I have a better plan to fight inflation. Lower your costs, not your wages. Make more cars and semiconductors in America. More infrastructure and innovation in America. And, instead of relying on foreign supply chains, let's make it in America."
Biden said 65,000 highways and more than 100,000 bridges in disrepair are set to be fixed. He also mentioned Ford's planned multibillion-dollar investment in electric vehicles, which includes the Blue Oval City outside Memphis.
The Republican response criticized Biden for not showing more leadership, saying he and Democrats are causing gas prices and inflation to go up and spending way too much on government programs.