State of the Union 2024: Biden to give high-stakes address as Trump election rematch looms
- The US president will use his State of the Union speech to contrast with Trump, sell voters on a second term
- Stakes are high as Biden seeks to overcome doubts about his age, the economy, wars in Gaza and Ukraine
Set for 9pm ET (10am Friday Hong Kong time) and expected to last around an hour, the speech at the US Capitol is possibly Biden’s best chance before November to trumpet his achievements and set out what he would do in a second term.
Biden said on the eve of the address that he had done “more over three years than most presidents have in eight”, and he is prepared to announce plans for tax cuts for working families and cheaper prescription drugs.
In line with tradition, First Lady Jill Biden will host a number of guests chosen to highlight the White House’s priorities.
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For three days over the weekend, Biden huddled with aides at the Camp David retreat crafting the speech, and he plans to “continue to fine-tune” it on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Last year, Biden successfully parried heckling by hardline Trump allies during his State of the Union speech, and he is ready again this time around, the White House added.
But that is not the only risk. Observers will also be on the lookout for signs of frailty after Biden suffered a series of trips and verbal slips in recent years.
The world will also be watching as wars rage in Gaza and Ukraine.