'I believe in America': Fired-up Biden uses State of the Union to skewer GOP

The president made the case for why he deserves a second term.

Last Updated: March 7, 2024, 7:00 PM EST

President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday night.

The speech provided Biden one of his biggest audiences of the year as he made his case for a second term and contrasted his vision of the country's future with Republicans ahead of what's expected to be a lengthy general election fight with former President Donald Trump.

ABC News live-blogged every major moment and highlight from the speech, with 538 providing analysis and a closer look at the polling and data behind the politicians.

Mar 07, 2024, 11:07 PM EST

Sen. Katie Britt delivers GOP response

Sen. Katie Britt is giving the GOP response to Biden's address from her home in Alabama.

She said she is worried about the future of the country and called Biden an "out-of-touch," "permanent politician" who has been in office "longer than I have been alive."

Britt, 42, is the youngest GOP woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama delivers the Republican response following President Biden's State of the Union speech, Mar. 7, 2024.
ABC News

Mar 07, 2024, 10:46 PM EST

Biden closes address: 'I see a future for all Americans'

In closing out his address, Biden spoke to the future he envisions in America -- one where democracy is defended, not diminished, and rights are protected, not taken away.

"I see a future where the middle class finally has a fair shot and the wealthy have to pay their fair share in taxes," he said. "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," he said. "I see a country for all Americans."

As he gears up for the general election, he spoke of a united country and said he will "always be a president for all Americans."

Mar 07, 2024, 10:46 PM EST

Biden address his age, a key issue for his reelection campaign

As Biden began to wrap up his speech, he made his first reference to his age: an issue polling has shown is a major concern for voters.

The remark mixed Biden's strategy for quelling such doubts: self-deprecating humor and assurances that age equals wisdom.

"I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while," he joked. "And when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever before."

"My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy," he said. "A future based on the core values that have defined America. Honesty. Decency. Dignity. Equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor."

He added: "Now some other people my age see a different story. An American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me."

Continuing to swipe indirectly at Trump, who is 77, Biden said it's Trump who will move the country in the wrong direction.

"My fellow Americans, the issue facing our nation isn’t how old we are, it’s how old our ideas are. Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are among the oldest of ideas. But you can’t lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back."

"The issue facing our nation isn't how old we are, it's how old our ideas are," Biden remarked.
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Biden addresses his age at the conclusion of his State of the Union address

"The issue facing our nation isn't how old we are, it's how old our ideas are," Biden remarked.
ABCNews.com

Mar 07, 2024, 10:46 PM EST

Biden: 'Israel must do its part'

While discussing his directive to establish a temporary pier to get more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, Biden said that "Israel must do its part"

"Israel must allow more aid to Gaza and ensure humanitarian workers are not caught in the crossfire," Biden said.

Addressing Israel's leaders, Biden said: "Humanitarian assistance cannot be second or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving lives has to be a priority."