Mornin’ Politocadoes!
President Joe Biden will address the nation in the State of the Union tonight. The President is looking to use the address to reassure a wary nation that not only is he able to lead the country, but also that he is still the best choice. As Israel continues its relentless attack on Palestine, Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, and the Republicans continue their assault on democracy, Joe has a lot to reassure about.
However, Biden’s aim in the speech is three-fold; dispel “Trump Amnesia”, show the country he is still capable and in control, and provide a bright and optimistic view of the state of the economy. “Trump Amnesia” is the idea that some voters have entirely forgotten just how chaotic and unpopular the Trump administration actually was. With some voters who had previously voted for him, now hinting that they might vote Trump to burn the whole system down, it’s probably the best thing he can do. Aside from actually addressing people’s grievances with the policies of his administration, of course.
Also, he will express that the state of the economy is in a far better place than it was under Trump. Biden spent the weekend with his Chief of Staff, Jeffrey Zients, preparing to illustrate the strength of the economy, citing record low unemployment and wage growth, while also pledging to create “breathing room” in family budgets. Biden will also show support for ideas like: driving down prescription drug costs, expanding housing supply, and eliminating “junk fees” in things like ticket prices.
Finally, he also hopes to alleviate concerns about his age and his ability to lead. A majority of Americans are shown to worry about his mental fitness at his age. Advisers think if he can find the right words and deliver them in just the right way, it will win skeptical voters over.
At the end of it, it doesn’t sound like he’s really addressing why people are feeling nervous. It doesn’t sound like he’s going to be addressing the topic of Israel and that’s disappointing. A State of the Union where pocketbook politics is emphasized is a pretty standard route to go in a reelection campaign. Some politicians, like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), feel like they aren’t hearing why people are in pain, and that, only if they explain it right people will get back on board.
But let’s be clear here, Biden would not be having to make such a case for himself if the administration hadn’t been so enthusiastically supportive of Israel’s war of retribution and annihilation for so long. He could’ve coasted very easily on just reminding everyone of how shitty the Gasleak Administration had been. The old “it’s the economy, stupid!” has been a strong way of re-engaging weary voters in the past, but I’m just not so sure it’s gonna be the right strategy now. I think they think they’re addressing people’s pain, I’m just not sure the economy is gonna be the big issue this year for why some people stay home or vote for Crime President instead. Lefties and liberals are mad for different reasons. And it doesn’t seem like Biden is interested in engaging with that. And he should! The administration is doing solid things like asking for accounting of all weapons sold to Israel since the start of the war and that’s great. But I think Biden needs to assure his voters in a more public way that he gets where they’re coming from. Maybe make a case for why the US is doing what its doing, or what steps its taking to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians.
I dunno, seems important.
Welcome to Thursday! Please be excellent to each other in the comments. The Mayor McSquirrel Rule remains in effect. Something to keep in mind! Police are using digital data to prosecute abortion seekers, and Facebook and Google are helping them! Even if they are not legally required to do so, the tech giants will aid them in this since it’s technically *against the law*. Please be careful when looking for abortion providers or helping someone who is looking for that assistance.
The Covid-19 pandemic continues even if the emergencies end, continue to vaccinate using the latest version of the FDA approved vaccines by Phizer and Moderna. Even if you are vaccinated, please continue to maintain social distancing measures, wear masks in public areas in accordance with CDC guidelines in regard to your own vaccination status.
Also, according to recent polls approximately 50% of adults are not planning on getting their Covid-19 boosters. So please get them and older adults should also look to be vaccinated for RSV! It’s been difficult to get adults onboard with getting the RSV shots as it is. Remember that getting these shots could potentially keep thousands of Americans who do not have to be there out of the ICU this winter.