Addressing his first divided Congress, Biden says 'the soul of this nation is strong'

Republicans interjected during his speech and pushed back in their own.

Last Updated: February 8, 2023, 10:39 AM EST

President Joe Biden on Tuesday night delivered his second State of the Union address in a pivotal moment as he laid out not only his accomplishments and agenda but made the case for his leadership ahead of an expected announcement on running for reelection.

Unlike his first two years in office, Republicans now control the House of Representatives and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, sitting behind the president for the first time, has threatened to block Biden's agenda.

Partners at FiveThirtyEight provided analysis in the blog below before, during and after Biden's speech.

Feb 07, 2023, 9:52 PM EST

'You should be embarrassed': Romney and Santos trade words

A moment between embattled Rep. George Santos and Sen. Mitt Romney ahead of Biden’s speech is catching attention on social media.

The two Republicans appeared to be exchanging insults on the House floor before the president's arrival.

"You should be embarrassed ... you shouldn't be here," Romney seemingly said to Santos, who was sitting off the center aisle of the chamber.

The two went back and forth again before Romney walked away.

On another feed, Santos can be seen repeatedly saying "what an a------" to his seat mate, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., in apparent reference to Romney.

-ABC News' Justin Fishel and Ben Siegel

Feb 07, 2023, 9:05 PM EST

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is this year’s 'designated survivor'

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has been dubbed the “designated survivor” for Biden’s second State of the Union address, according to a White House official.

The designated survivor is the Cabinet member chosen to stay behind in an undisclosed location in case disaster strikes as the president, vice president, top officials and members of Congress gather at the Capitol.

Walsh is 11th in the presidential line of succession and is set to soon leave the administration for a position with the NHL players' association, ABC News has confirmed.

-with ABC News' Luke Barr, Justin Gomez and MaryAlice Parks

Feb 07, 2023, 8:51 PM EST

Biden says union is in 'great shape, getting better'

Biden told ABC News' Ben Gittleson that he was feeling "good" as he departed the White House on Tuesday night for his second State of the Union address.

Asked what he feels is the state of the union, Biden responded: "Great shape, getting better."

The president entered his motorcade just before 8:30 p.m. ET to travel to the Capitol.

The Presidential limousine sits on the South Lawn in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on Feb. 7, 2023, as President Joe Biden prepares to travel to the US Capitol to deliver his State of the Union address.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Feb 07, 2023, 8:42 PM EST

The economy, health care and defending against terrorism are among Americans’ top issues

Biden will set the agenda in Tuesday's speech -- but what do Americans want the president and Congress to address? Just like last year, the economy and health care costs are Americans' top priorities, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. The poll found that 75% of Americans think strengthening the economy should be a top priority for Biden and Congress this year, while 60% said that reducing health care costs should be a top priority.

One thing has changed, though -- when Biden took the podium for his State of the Union address in 2022, 60% of Americans said that dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak should be a top priority. This year, only 26% named the virus as one of their top issues. Instead, priorities like defending against terrorism, reducing the influence of money in politics and making Medicare financially sound took precedence.

Republicans' and Democrats' perspectives on what the president and Congress should address look quite different. Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say they want the government to prioritize reducing health care costs, protect the environment and deal with the problems of poor people, while Republicans were more likely than Democrats to want Biden and Congress to focus on reducing the budget deficit, reducing crime and dealing with immigration.

-FiveThirtyEight's Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux

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