President Biden State of the Union Speech in Campaign Mode

Last year we noted that we wouldn't report any more President Biden speeches. Now that wasn't because of any issue with borders, January 6th or Ukraine. No, we had concerns with his apparently fading mental capacity. At the time we also said we'd review the President Biden State of the Union speech in 2024.

And here we are. We've done just that.

So, how did the President get on?

Good evening. Good evening. If I were smart, I’d go home now.

Good. There were no disastrous fluffs, he didn't fall down the stairs or wander off the podium. And when he did misread his autocue (teleprompter), then he recovered quickly. Because there's more to reading autocue in a major speech than you might imagine. The height of the autocue and, not least, its speed!

That's got to be progress or the advanced US pharmaceutical industry at work. Because this is a major set-piece speech and not a secretive, hidden presentation.

But Israel has a h- — excuse me. Israel has a added burden because Hamas hides and operates among the civilian population like cowards — under hospitals, daycare centers, and all the like.

Biden State of the Union Speech in Campaigning Form

It was a campaigning speech which was an oddity for a State of the Union Address. But, that's probably the way things are now in 2024,

He began his State of the Union speech in conventional fashion, with a date reference.

In January 1941, Franklin Roosevelt came to this chamber to speak to the nation. And he said, “I address you at a moment unprecedented in the history of the Union”. Hitler was on the march. War was raging in Europe.

It's a useful way to place the events and activities of today in the context of the country's history and traditions. Effective.

This was a well-written speech, with many rhetorical flourishes, and the President also delivered it well.

My message to President Putin, who I’ve known for a long time, is simple: We will not walk away. We will not bow down. I will not bow down.

However, we also heard some odd stuff about covid-19 vaccines and their therapeutic impact on cancers? Really?

The pandemic no longer controls our lives. The vaccine that saved us from COVID is — are now being used to beat cancer.

Humour in this Biden State of the Union Speech

The President certainly still has a sense of humour. Or, his speechwriters do.

I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while. When you get to be my age, certain things become clearer than ever.

His finale was rousing and he clearly finished very well, using a solid repetition technique.

I see a future where we're defending democracy, you don’t diminish it.

I see a future where we restore the right to choose and protect our freedoms, not take them away.

I see a future where the middle class has — finally has a fair shot and the wealthy have to pay their fair share in taxes.

I see a future where we save the planet from the climate crisis and our country from gun violence.

Above all, I see a future for all Americans. I see a country for all Americans. And I will always be President for all Americans because I believe in America. I believe in you, the American people. You’re the reason we’ve never been more optimistic about our future than I am now.

So, let’s build the future together. Let’s remember who we are.

Biden State of the Union Speech Takes its Leave

This was definitely a long State of the Union speech for a modern audience used to 90 second TikTok videos. However it certainly did its campaigning job.

But, in the meantime we'll continue to give President Biden speeches a miss until after he's secured the nomination (days away, perhaps?) for the Democratic Party and begins the campaign in earnest.

You can discover plenty of public speaking tips for your next company conference or public meeting with our series of top tips for speakers. And when you need to take your own public speaking skills that little bit further then why not consider some in-depth training, an online course or coaching. Because a well-timed intervention now will pay speech dividends later. So, please don’t hesitate to get in touch when the time is right.