Biden Displays Optimism In State Of The Union

President Joe Biden‘s State of the Union address featured optimism for America’s future – and a bit of light-hearted banter with House Republicans.

Biden smiled and jested with House members in between poignant moments talking about police brutality, gun safety and abortion rights. The address, given on Tuesday night, is likely a test run for the 45th President’s re-election campaign’s political talking points.

Biden leaned on his middle-class appeal throughout much of the speech, talking about strengthening unions and weakening the wealth gap plaguing the U.S.

Biden also chided Republicans for attempting to slash funding for Social Security and Medicare programs. The criticism drew uproarious anger from the right flank of the room, calling him a “liar.” Biden maneuvered through the reaction rhetorically.

“As we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now,” he said in reference to the heated ongoing debate on government debt.

Biden also spoke about the country’s souring diplomatic relationship with China, following the surveillance balloon scandal from the past week.

“Make no mistake: As we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did,” Biden said defiantly.

In response to Biden’s address, Republicans chose Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to respond to the President’s speech.

“The dividing line in America is no longer between right or left,” she stated. “The choice is between normal or crazy.”

Sander’s address leaned into the President’s social policies, labeling the administration as “woke” and disengaged from reality.