As Biden touts his support for Ukraine in its war against Russia -- calling it out as one of his defining successes of the past year -- he is speaking from a position of relative strength: Americans generally feel better about Biden's Ukraine policies than about his domestic ones. For example, a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found that his approval rating on the Russia-Ukraine conflict (38%) was higher than on the economy (37%) or the immigration situation on the U.S.-Mexico border (28%).

In addition, according to Gallup polling, a plurality of Americans (39%) think the U.S. is doing the right amount to help Ukraine, while 30% think the U.S. is not doing enough and only 28% think it is doing too much. However, as my colleague Cooper Burton wrote last month, support for aiding Ukraine has cooled a bit since the war started in February 2022, thanks in large part to decreased enthusiasm among Republicans.

-FiveThirtyEight's Nathaniel Rakich

One of the night's more contentious moments came when discussing the debt ceiling and the White House's disagreements with Republicans on government borrowing and spending.

"Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy hostage unless I agree to their economic plans," Biden argued. "All of you at home should know what those plans are. Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset."

The remark was met with resounding boos, and GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene could be seen calling out "liar."

Speaker McCarthy has also publicly said potential cuts to Medicare and Social Security are "off the table."

Biden continued on to say that he didn't think it was a majority of Republicans or even a significant number, and that he was "politely not naming them."

Based on the booing, he said, "So folks, we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare off the books now, right?" he said, which was followed by applause. "All right, we got unanimity."

"Let's stand up for seniors," he added. "If anyone tries to cut Medicare, I will stop them, I will veto it."

Biden is making the argument that his immigration policies have improved the situation at the southern border. However, Americans may not buy it. Poll after poll suggests that Biden's approval ratings are weakest on immigration. For example, ABC News/Washington Post's latest poll found that his approval/disapproval rating on the immigration situation at the border is just 28% approval compared to 59% disapproval. And a January poll from Quinnipiac University had even worse numbers for him: Only 18% approved of his handling of the situation on the Mexican border, while 68% disapproved. That was the lowest that number has ever been in Quinnipiac's polling.

-FiveThirtyEight's Nathaniel Rakich

As Biden turned to discuss policing and public safety in his address, he took a moment to welcome the parents of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who died last month after being assaulted by police in Memphis, Tennessee.

His mother, RowVaughn Wells, and his stepfather, Rodney Wells, received a standing ovation from those gathered in the chamber.

"What happened to Tyre in Memphis happens too often. We have to do better," Biden said. "Give law enforcement the training they need, hold them to higher standards and help them succeed in keeping everyone safe."

The president called for more resources to reduce violent crime, more community intervention programs and more investments in housing, education and job training.

"Let’s commit ourselves to make the words of Tyre’s mother come true, something good must come from this," he said.

While lawmakers in both parties said after Nichols died that they would like to pursue a compromise on policing reform, previous such efforts have failed in Congress.

First-term Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona will deliver the GOP's State of the Union rebuttal on Tuesday -- in Spanish. Excerpts from his planned remarks show that he will lay out an optimistic message for the future of the country as a member of the new House majority.

"The state of our union is strong because our people are strong. We can overcome any obstacle. Our best days lie ahead," Ciscomani will say, contending that President Biden and his administration continue to "push policies that hurt our families."

The first-generation American will also nod to the fact that his own rise was due to the "American Dream." After House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that Ciscomani would be delivering remarks, the lawmaker said his message will be "simple and straightforward," focused on securing the southern border and strengthening the economy.

"That's why it's important to keep fighting for our country. I'm fighting for our country. And my Republican colleagues and I are committed to protect and strengthen the American Dream for all," he plans to say in his response speech.

Those remarks contrast with excerpts released from the other official Republican State of the Union rebuttal, set to be delivered by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who will blast Democrats on social issues: "Every day, we are told that we must partake in their rituals, salute their flags and worship their false idols."