Verbal broadsides

Aggressive at 81: Biden’s unexpected incendiary speech

US President Joe Biden during his speech in Congress

(Bild: AP)

US President Joe Biden kicked off the election campaign for the US presidency with an unexpected incendiary speech. In his State of the Union address, the 81-year-old was more aggressive and energetic than he has been for a long time. And at the right time.

Energetic, passionate, lively. This is how US President Joe Biden appeared at the annual State of the Union address to Congress. Originally intended as a presidential speech on the state of the nation, Biden used it to kick off his presidential election campaign against Donald Trump. Although he repeatedly fired verbal broadsides at Trump, he never mentioned him by name, but always referred to him as "his predecessor". 

Biden addressed many topics. In addition to Trump, he spoke about the economy, but not about his achievements ("Bidenomics"). He wanted to push ahead with the issue of abortion rights. He denounced the dramatic situation in the Gaza Strip, promised the people there more aid and called on Israel's leadership to provide better protection for civilians. "Israel must allow more aid deliveries to Gaza and ensure that humanitarian aid workers are not caught in the crossfire," warned the Democrat. "Humanitarian aid must not be secondary or used as a bargaining chip. The protection and rescue of innocent people must take priority."

Donald Trump was the target of Biden's attacks.

(Bild: AFP/Saul Loeb)

With regard to the war in Ukraine, Biden once again called on Congress to release further US aid for the country attacked by Russia. "My message to President Putin, whom I have known for a long time, is simple: we will not run away," Biden said, addressing the Kremlin leader. "If anyone in this room thinks Putin will stop after Ukraine, they are wrong. I assure you, he will not."

The topic of migration is at the top of Biden's agenda.

(Bild: AFP)

In terms of domestic policy, Biden does not want to follow his predecessor's policy on the important issue of migration in the US election campaign. "I will not separate families," he said. He will not ban people from entering the country on the basis of their faith.

Biden is putting pressure on Israel regarding the war in the Gaza Strip.

(Bild: AFP)

And: He addressed his age. "I've been here a while and I've seen a lot," joked Biden. "In my career, I've been told time and again that I'm too young and too old. Young or old, I've always known what lasts," said the 81-year-old. 

"The main aim of the appearance was not to appear decrepit, not to show any weakness and to initiate an image correction. A lot could have gone wrong, a stumble, a slip of the tongue. At least we succeeded," analyzes US expert Reinhard Heinisch from the University of Salzburg. "The speech was the best chance to present himself as strong enough at the best time. Until the next stumble, at least the doubts within the party may become quieter."

What else Biden had achieved: Trump had received a lot of positive press after his big victory in the primaries on "Super Tuesday". "Biden has now broken this cycle."

US expert Reinhard Heinisch

(Bild: Zwefo)

"Biden's big victory"
A key feature of the appearance, however, was that Biden was combative towards the "MAGA" wing: "It was a declaration of war on the right," said Heinisch. "A full broadside, there was not much talk of conciliation and reconciliation. Biden also succeeded in claiming the topic of the border and immigration for himself and reminding the Americans that a ready-made law on border security was brought down by Trump's allies in Congress for tactical reasons." For the expert, the appearance was "a great victory for Biden".