The State of the Union just happened on Tuesday, Feb. 7. This speech had been anticipated because it could lay the foundation for Joe Biden’s expected presidential campaign. Another reason for anticipation would be because this is the first State of the Union in about two years with no COVID restrictions, meaning no masks and congressional invitations. This 73-minute speech would prove to be an optimistic view of the past years with the economy, violence and many other subjects.
The economy was a huge subject touched on during the state of the union. Biden stated, “I stand here tonight, after we’ve created, with the help of many people in this room, 12 million new jobs,” showing he has worked hard after the pandemic to make the economy return back to normal by creating more jobs. He continues, “We’ve already created 800,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs.” This further solidifies that Biden has created more jobs and opportunities for those in need. He continues to say, “when the middle class does well, the poor have a ladder up, and the wealthy still do very well. We all do well.” This shows that he wants to help the middle and lower class; he’s for the people.
Biden then talked about the pharmaceutical industry and everyday medical expenses. He stated, “We pay more for prescription drugs than any major nation on Earth”, showing how big the pharmaceutical industry is and how much it makes off of the American people. The pharmaceutical companies pay $10 a vial of insulin but sell it for $500 a month to make a profit. He then says, “Not anymore … We capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare.” Biden emphasizes capping insulin for seniors on Medicare isn’t enough. It should be capped for everyone: “Get the job done.”
“What happened to Tyre in Memphis happens too often. We have to do better.
He also talked about Tyre Nichols and how we should approach this situation that is becoming all too normal. He states, “what happened to Tyre in Memphis happens too often. We have to do better.” Showing how we, everyone in America, have to do better. He continues by saying, “Give law enforcement the real training they need. Hold them to higher standards.” This enforces that the problem has to change and to not let it become a norm. He ends by pleading for police reform.
Throughout the speech, the Republicans were rowdy and interrupted the president many times. Many Republican members would heckle the president whenever they disagreed with what was being said. Nevertheless, the speech was optimistic and was a strong foundation for an expected presidential run soon. The address had a recurring theme of “get the job done.” Even with all that has been done, much more is still needed.