The speeches of American presidents usually stay away from partisan political dust and focus on substantive issues. However, Biden’s speech is described in the American media as “strikingly political”.
With eight months left until the fall election, he avoided mentioning opponent Donald Trump by name – but 13 times Biden spoke of “his predecessor” in negative terms, writes CNN.
– Democracy must be defended. My predecessor and some of you here are trying to hide the truth about January 6 (the storming of the Capitol, ed. note). I will not do it, Biden said, among other things.
Biden’s slips did not go unnoticed. The president was interrupted by boos – and Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who was sitting behind him, was seen shaking his head on several occasions.
Photo: SAUL LOEB
That Biden’s speech was scheduled on the same day that Sweden became a member of NATO turned out to be a stroke of luck for Ulf Kristersson (M). The prime minister sat on the first floor, placed next to the first lady of the United States, Jill Biden. When Joe Biden then opened his speech by talking about the threat from Russia, he took the opportunity to welcome Sweden into the alliance.
– Sweden’s prime minister is here tonight. Welcome! Stand up! Biden said to Kristersson, who smiled to the crowd’s cheers.
Sweden’s NATO membership is, in addition to a victory for Kristersson, also a political success for Biden, explains SVT’s US correspondent Fouad Youcefi.
– That Sweden gets to play such a central role shows how important Sweden’s NATO membership is to the Biden administration, he says.
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Photo: MANDEL NGAN
In the area of foreign policy, most speaking time was devoted to the war between Israel and Hamas. Among other things, Biden announced that the US military will establish a temporary port on the Gaza coast to be able to quickly bring in supplies.
The president also clarified his position regarding Israel’s role in the war.
– Israel has the right to hunt down Hamas. Hamas could end the conflict by releasing the hostages, laying down its weapons and handing over those responsible for October 7, the president said, continuing:
– However, Israel also has a fundamental obligation to protect civilians in Gaza. This war has hit civilians harder than all previous wars in Gaza combined.
Over the past year, US support for Ukraine has been a hot political issue in Congress. It was also noticeable during the speech.
– Putin is on the rise. He invades Ukraine, wreaks havoc in Europe and beyond. If anyone in here thinks that Putin will stop at Ukraine, I can assure you that he will not. But Ukraine can stop Putin if we stand by them and give them the weapons they need, Biden said.
– My message to President Putin, which I have known for a long time, is simple. We will not turn back. We will not bend.