State of the Union 2022 - Boebert doubles down on heckle as veteran’s widow calls for her removal
As it happened: Joe Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to Congress
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joe Biden has woken up an encouraging reception for his first State of the Union address, which snap polling says met with the approval of more than two-thirds of Americans – a rare bit of good news for a president whose ratings remain underwater.
Mr Biden at times received bipartisan standing applause in the House chamber last night, especially during his remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Putin’s war was premeditated and unprovoked,” the president 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.”
However, progressives have given a lukewarm reception to the domestic elements of Mr Biden’s speech, in which he promised to “fund the police” while declining to go as far as some wanted on key issues like immigration.
Speaking on MSNBC, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that “there’s some themes that are left a little bit to be desired for key constituencies in the Democratic base, but the president’s goal was very clear on really projecting a theme of unity and I think he’s still stuck to that.”
Meanwhile, the White House has hit back at heckling from far-right Congresswomen Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, with Press Secretary Jen Psaki remarking that their shouting at the president “says a lot more about them” than it does about the substance of his speech.
Biden: “Inflation is robbing families of the gains they might otherwise feel from our growing economy. I get it. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”
Biden on his economic agenda: “I have a better plan to fight inflation: Lower your costs, not your wages.”
“Instead of relying on foreign supply chains, let’s make it in America. Economists call it ‘increasing the productive capacity of our economy’. I call it building a better America.”
Biden acknowledging inflation rates that are hitting Americans: “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. I get it. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”
Biden says: “Let’s cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month so every family can afford it.”
President gives a shout-out to 7th grader and SOTU guest Joshua Davis, who has type 1 diabetes and had a birthday yesterday.
“Happy Birthday, buddy.” says Biden.
“The present tax system ain’t fair. We have to fix it,” says Biden “I’m not looking to punish anyone. But let’s make sure corporations and the wealthiest Americans start paying their fair share.”
Biden announces the Department of Justice will appoint a chief prosecutor for pandemic fraud.
“We’re going to go after the criminals who stole billions of dollars meant for small businesses.”
My predecessor undermined the watchdogs whose job was to keep pandemic relief funds from being wasted. In my Administration, the watchdogs are back. We’re going after the criminals who stole billions in relief money meant for small businesses and millions of Americans.
“I’m a capitalist. But capitalism without competition is not capitalism. It’s exploitation, and it drives prices up,” says Biden.
“Let’s pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and paid leave, raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and extend the Child Tax Credit — so no one has to raise a family in poverty.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments