Biden’s 2024 State of the Union speech, delivered on Thursday in Washington, D.C., covered a wide range of topics, including abortion rights, gun violence, and the Israel-Hamas war. The speech was eagerly anticipated, with the entirety of Congress and other members of government gathering in the House floor for the event. President Biden used this platform to address key issues facing the nation and outline his administration’s agenda.

Biden’s Address Highlights

In his State of the Union speech, President Biden touched on several important issues:

1. Abortion rights: Biden spoke about the importance of protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to safe and legal abortions.
2. Gun violence: The President addressed the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country, emphasizing the need for common-sense gun control measures to prevent further tragedies.
3. Israel-Hamas war: Biden discussed the conflicts in Israel and Gaza, highlighting the U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The length of Biden’s speech was notable, prompting comparisons with previous State of the Union addresses. While specifics regarding the duration of the speech were not provided, it is customary for State of the Union speeches to span anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. This year’s address was anticipated to align with these timeframes. Comparisons were also drawn with former President Trump’s speeches, both the longest and the shortest in recent memory.

Lawmakers invited a diverse array of guests to the State of the Union, reflecting their respective political priorities. Notable guests included the sister of a 9-year-old girl killed in a school shooting, the head of the United Auto Workers, and individuals who had experienced challenges accessing reproductive healthcare. These invitations aimed to shed light on national issues such as in vitro fertilization and the conflicts in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, allowing lawmakers to bring attention to their desired causes.

“More than 30 Democrats are bringing guests who offer a reminder of how bad Republicans are for reproductive health,” cited a spokesperson from the Democratic Party.

Jill Biden, the First Lady, also had her own list of guests, including an Alabama woman who faced the cancellation of her in vitro fertilization treatment, the Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain. These guests were carefully selected to align with the First Lady’s own priorities and underscore the administration’s commitments.

In closing, the Biden administration, alongside Congressional leaders, utilized the State of the Union address to highlight critical national issues and showcase their political priorities. By addressing topics such as abortion rights, gun violence, and international conflicts, the President sought to demonstrate his administration’s dedication to addressing these pressing issues.