Didn't watch State of the Union? Here are 6 most important things to know
As President Biden addressed his third State of the Union, he sent strong messages to President Putin and big corporations and stated his strong stance on the Gaza war.
2:38 AM EST, March 9, 2024
The 2024 State of the Union address by President Joe Biden touched on several significant topics reflecting his administration's priorities and concerns for the nation. Here are six key takes from the address:
1. Unity and Diversity
President Biden emphasized the diverse origins of the American people and their shared identity as Americans, regardless of how they came to the country. He highlighted the importance of working together to fix issues such as border security and celebrate the nation's diversity.
2. Voting Rights and Civil Rights:
The address recalled the historical struggle for voting rights, marking the anniversary of the Selma march. Biden called for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, stressing the need to honor the legacy of civil rights leaders by protecting voting rights and fighting against voter suppression and gerrymandering
3. LGBTQ+ Rights and Workers' Rights:
The President urged Congress to pass the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ rights and the PRO Act to support workers' rights, including raising the federal minimum wage. He conveyed a message of support to transgender Americans and emphasized the importance of every worker earning a decent living.
4. Climate Change:
A significant focus was placed on addressing the climate crisis, with Biden announcing ambitious actions to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030. This includes creating clean-energy jobs, conserving lands and waters, and establishing a Climate Corps to engage young people in clean energy initiative.
5. Public Safety and Crime Reduction:
Biden highlighted the administration's efforts to make America safer through investments in public safety, which have contributed to a decrease in murder rates and violent crime. He called for further support for community police officers, mental health workers, and community violence intervention efforts.
6. Gun Violence Prevention:
The address touched on the emotional impact of gun violence, with the mention of a victim from the Uvalde school shooting. Biden criticized inaction on gun control by his predecessor and highlighted his establishment of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. He advocated for stronger measures to tackle gun crime and protect communities.
As this year's State of the Union should be looked at from the perspective of upcoming elections, President Biden not only provided a look at a prospering country but also showed the challenges he is ready to face in upcoming years.
