President Biden is set to deliver a pivotal speech addressing various issues including the economy, abortion rights, and threats to democracy. The upcoming speech holds great significance as it not only allows Biden to reflect on his first term as president but also serves as a platform to warn the nation about the pressing dangers it faces.
With the 2024 general election campaign effectively beginning, Biden’s speech takes on a political hue. While it remains uncertain whether he will mention former President Donald Trump, the address will effectively kickstart the campaign for the next election. This speech presents an opportunity for Biden to showcase his capabilities and address concerns about his age and stamina, which were raised after a special counsel’s report questioned his memory and cognition.
Moreover, this address enables Biden to directly present his administration’s achievements to the American people, bypassing traditional media outlets that he believes often downplay his accomplishments and level of support. Highlighting his economic record will be a crucial part of his speech. Despite the economy outperforming expectations and maintaining a low unemployment rate, surveys reveal that Americans are dissatisfied with the state of the economy due to inflation. Biden has acknowledged this concern and plans to take a more populist approach to address it.
In order to tackle rising prices and illegal corporate behavior, Biden’s administration recently launched a new strike force in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission. The aim is to demonstrate that the government is actively taking steps to alleviate the impact of high prices on American citizens. Additionally, the administration has focused on reducing drug prices and healthcare costs through legislation and administrative proposals.
The speech also provides an opportunity for Biden to address failed negotiations on border issues and abortion rights. Following the collapse of a bipartisan deal due to Trump’s influence, Biden intends to directly blame Trump for the failure. By doing so, he aims to draw attention to the importance of these issues for American voters.
Furthermore, Biden will use this address to defend America’s role abroad. He will emphasize the consequences of Republican resistance to providing further support to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Biden has consistently criticized Trump for his lack of resolve in funding Ukraine’s defense. The speech coincides with Ukraine’s withdrawal from Avdiivka, a strategic hub, after suffering heavy casualties. This context adds weight to Biden’s argument regarding the importance of American leadership abroad.
In a broader sense, Biden intends to warn about threats to democracy within the United States. By referencing President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s iconic 1941 speech, Biden underscores the significance of the current moment in history. While Roosevelt spoke about external threats to American security, Biden highlights the internal threat posed by the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. This event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers democracy faces within its own borders.
President Biden’s forthcoming speech holds immense importance for the trajectory of his presidency and the future of the United States. It serves as a platform for him to address key issues, showcase his achievements, and warn the nation about the threats it faces. The speech will undoubtedly shape public opinion and set the stage for the upcoming 2024 general election.
