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Joe Biden
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Explainer | What to watch for during Joe Biden’s first big speech to Congress

  • US president’s speech set for Wednesday at 9pm EDT
  • Address comes on eve of Biden’s first 100 days in office

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US President Joe Biden. File photo: Reuters
Associated Press
US President Joe Biden will give his first address to a joint session of Congress, a prime time speech on Wednesday night on the eve of his 100th day in office. Biden will use the speech before lawmakers and a broader viewing audience to talk about what he’s accomplished in the opening months of his presidency, and lay out his other domestic and foreign policy priorities.

When and where can I watch or listen to Biden?

The speech is set for 9pm EDT (Thursday, 9am Hong Kong time) and will be broadcast by the major US networks and cable news TV channels. The White House plans to stream it at www.WH.gov/live, as well as on its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages. South China Morning Post will also live-stream the speech at www.scmp.com.
The chamber of the House of Representatives at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP
The chamber of the House of Representatives at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP

How will the setting be different because of the pandemic?

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Attendance is limited to allow for social distancing, meaning there won’t be any visuals of lawmakers and others sitting shoulder to shoulder during the address. Just about 200 of the 535 members of Congress received tickets to attend and they aren’t allowed to bring guests.

With the House out of session, many Republicans from that chamber are expected to skip the event, making it more likely that Biden will end up addressing a mostly friendly Democratic audience. Senators are in town, but some Republicans from that chamber are expected to skip the speech.

The majority of Biden’s Cabinet members will listen from home. Just Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will be on hand to represent the executive branch of government. Chief Justice John Roberts will represent the judicial branch, with other Supreme Court justices similarly staying away.

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