The 2024 State of the Union took place on Thursday, March 7. The State of the Union is an annual speech given by the president to Congress that usually focuses on current issues and potential plans for legislation. This year’s State of the Union was livestreamed on Instagram for the first time ever, allowing even more access to the speech, especially for avid Instagram users like Gen Zers.
President Biden’s State of the Union speech addressed multiple issues that Gen Z has been incredibly vocal about online. With over 40 million Gen Z’s eligible to vote this year, it’s clear who will play a huge role in the 2024 presidential election. Not only can Biden’s words impact voters’ decisions, but they can also inspire a hopeful or harmful mindset. Some of Biden’s rhetoric regarding abortion rights and the genocide in Gaza have left Gen Z frustrated, while others are appreciative that he mentioned the issues in the first place.
If you didn’t get the chance to watch the 2024 State of the Union on TV, livestream it, or would like a better understanding of Biden’s key points and quotes, here are two of the major issues he brought up that Gen Zers should be aware of.
Biden’s Quotes On Reproductive Rights
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, more and more rights have been taken away from women. Just last month in February 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) were children, causing many IVF clinics to halt their services. The Bidens invited two women who have been personally affected by laws against women’s rights to the 2024 State of the Union. Kate Cox, a woman who had to flee Texas after being denied a medically-necessary abortion, and Latorya Beasley, a woman whose IVF treatments were stopped because of the recent Alabama ruling, were both in attendance.
Biden made it clear that he wants to restore Roe v. Wade in his 2024 State of the Union address. “Those bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade have no clue about the power of women. But they found out when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and we won in 2022 and 2020, and we’ll win again in 2024. If you, the American people, send me a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise I’ll restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again,” Biden said.
Although Biden’s speech shows that he supports pro-choice rulings, news account @so.informed pointed out in an Instagram Story that he never actually used the term “abortion” in his speech, despite the fact he was talking about abortions and positioning himself as someone who will fight for women’s rights.
Biden’s Quotes On Gaza
A Feb. 26 video of Biden eating ice cream while expressing his hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza left many young people irritated. Biden used his State of the Union speech to make crucial announcements regarding how he plans to handle the crisis in Gaza, including negotiations for a six-week ceasefire and the creation of a coastal pier to provide aid.
“More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom are not Hamas. I’ve been working nonstop to establish an immediate ceasefire that will last for at least six weeks. It would get the hostages home, ease the intolerable humanitarian crisis, and build toward something more enduring,” Biden said in his speech.
“Tonight, I’m directing the U.S. military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large shipments carrying food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters. No U.S. boots will be on the ground. A temporary pier will enable a massive increase to the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day. But Israel must do its part. Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire,” he said.
Despite the United States having funded — and still funding — the Israeli military, Biden also directed his speech towards the Israeli government and mentioned the importance of a two-state solution. “To the leadership of Israel, I say this. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority. As we look to the future, the only solution to the situation is a two-state solution over time.”
Gen Z has been critical of Biden’s handling of Gaza and mindful of the rhetoric he’s been using. Account @so.informed wrote in an Instagram Story that “his plans to build an ‘aid port’ aren’t going to help the people of Gaza in the long term.” Crowds of young people also protested outside of the White House demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during the State of the Union.
The State of the Union will undoubtedly have an impact on voter decisions for the 2024 presidential election. It’s imperative that young people stay informed as Election Day draws nearer.