Associated Press
In good times or bad, American presidents come to Congress with a diagnosis that hardly differs over the decades. In their State of the Union speeches, they declare “the state of our union is strong,” or words very much like it.
President Joe Biden’s fellow Americans, though, have other ideas about the state they’re in and little hope his State of the Union address Tuesday night can turn anything around.
America’s strength is being sharply tested from within — and now from afar — as fate, overnight, made Biden a wartime president in someone else’s conflict, leading the West’s response to a Russian invasion of Ukraine that makes all the other problems worse.
The state of the union is disunity and division. It’s a state of exhaustion from the pandemic. It’s about feeling gouged at the grocery store and gas pump. It’s so low that some Americans, including prominent ones, are exalting Russian President Vladimir Putin in his attack on a democracy.
Measures of happiness have hit a bottom, with fewer Americans saying they are very happy in the 2021 General Social Survey than ever before in five decades of asking them.
This what a grand funk looks like.
Biden will step up to the House speaker’s rostrum to address a nation in conflict with itself. The country is litigating how to keep kids safe and what to teach them, weary over orders to wear masks, bruised over an ignominious end to one war, in Afghanistan, and suddenly plenty worried about Russian expansionism. A speech designed to discuss the commonweal will be delivered to a nation that is having increasing difficulty finding much of anything in common.
Even now, a large segment of the country still clings to the lie that the last election was stolen.
THAT ‘M’ WORD
Four decades ago, President Jimmy Carter confronted a national “crisis of confidence” in a speech describing a national malaise without using that word. But Vice President Kamala Harris did when she told an interviewer last month “there is a level of malaise” in this country.
Today’s national psyche is one of fatigue and frustration — synonyms for the malaise of the 1970s. But the divides run deeper and solutions may be more elusive than the energy crisis, inflation and sense of drift of that time.
Take today’s climate of discourse. It’s “so cold,” said Rachel Hoopes, a charity executive in Des Moines, Iowa, who voted for Biden. “It’s hard to see how him talking to us can break through when so many people can’t talk to each other.”
It’s as if Americans need group therapy more than a set-piece speech to Congress.
“We have to feel good about ourselves before we can move forward,” historian Doris Kearns Goodwin told Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show.”
Yet in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s attack last week, a long-absent reflex kicked back in as members of Congress projected unity behind the president, at least for the moment, in the confrontation with Moscow. “We’re all together at this point,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said, “and we need to be together about what should be done.”
Politics didn’t stop at the water’s edge but it paused. Though not at Mar-a-Lago’s ocean edge in Florida, where Donald Trump praised Putin’s “savvy,” “genius” move against the country that entangled the defeated American president in his first impeachment trial.
PICK YOUR POISON
White House officials acknowledge that the mood of the country is “sour,” but say they are also encouraged by data showing peoples lives are better off than a year ago. They say the national psyche is a “trailing indicator” and will improve with time.
Biden, in his speech, will highlight the improvements from a year ago — particularly on COVID-19 and the economy — but also acknowledge that the job is not yet done, in recognition of the fact that many Americans don’t believe it.
A year into Biden’s presidency, polling indeed finds that he faces a critical and pessimistic public. Only 29% of Americans think the nation is on the right track, according to the February poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
In December’s AP-NORC poll, most said economic conditions are poor and inflation has hit them on food and gas. After two years of a pandemic that has killed more than 920,000 in the U.S., majorities put masks back on and avoided travel and crowds in January in the sweep of the omicron variant. Now, finally, a sustained drop in infections appears to be underway.
Most Americans are vaccinated against COVID-19, but debates over masks and mandates have torn apart communities and families.
With Biden so hemmed in by hardened politics, it’s difficult to imagine a single speech altering the public’s perception, said Julia Helm, 52, a Republican county auditor from the suburbs west of Des Moines.
“He’s got a lot of stuff on his plate,” she said. “You know what could change how people feel? And pretty fast? What they pay at the pump. I hate to say it. But gas prices really are the barometer.”
Biden suggested last summer that high inflation was a temporary inconvenience. But it’s snowballed in recent months to a defining challenge of his presidency, alongside, now, the threat of geopolitical instability from Russia’s attack on its neighbor.
Consumer prices over the past 12 months jumped 7.5%, the highest since 1982, as many pay raises were swallowed up and dreams of home ownership or even a used car became prohibitively expensive.
Inflation was a side effect of an economy running hot after the economically devastating first chapters of the pandemic, when Biden achieved the kind of growth that Presidents Barack Obama and Trump could not deliver.
The prime engine for both the gains and the inflation appears to be Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, which pushed down the unemployment rate to a healthy 4% while boosting economic growth to 5.7% last year — the best performance since 1984.
SINKING POLLS
Still, voters have largely overlooked those gains as inflation bit. The February AP-NORC poll found that more people disapproved than approved of how Biden is handling his job as president, 55% to 44%.
That was a reversal from early in his presidency. As recently as July 2020, about 60% said they approved of Biden in AP-NORC polls.
After four years of Trump’s provocations from the White House, Hoopes, 38, the Des Moines charity executive, finds Biden to be a “nonthreatening” leader, a “decent person, someone it seems you could talk to.”
“He seems to be a quiet decision-maker,” she said. “But I don’t know if that’s good or bad for him or the country right now.”
The most she could say about Biden’s State of the Union speech is that “it can’t hurt.”
That’s about the most that historians say about it, too.
THE SPEECH
If State of the Union addresses are remembered at all, it’s generally because feathers were ruffled on a night of tradition and forced comity: Obama admonishing the Supreme Court justices seated in front of him for their ruling on campaign finance laws in 2010; Justice Samuel Alito mouthing “not true in response,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, ripping up Trump’s speech in disgust in 2020.
In 2009, South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson was reprimanded by fellow Republicans and lacerated by Democats for shouting “you lie” at Obama when he spoke to Congress about his health care plan.
“Inaugural addresses sometimes do have an impact because they are big picture, far horizon speeches,” said political scientist Cal Jillson of Southern Methodist University. “State of the Unions rarely do because they tend to be listy rather than thematic.”
Among presidents of the last half century, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama and Trump repeatedly declared “the state of our union is strong” while Bush’s father took a pass and Gerald Ford confessed: “I must say to you that the state of the union is not good.”
Trump being Trump and Clinton being Clinton, both additionally claimed that the state of the union had never been stronger than on the nights they said it.
Whatever diagnostic phrase Biden chooses, his task is to promote an agenda and plausibly claim credit for positive developments over the last year “without a mission accomplished moment,” Jillson said. “That’s delicate. It’s delicate to claim credit for the economic recovery … and still acknowledge people’s pains and fears.”
Biden comes to Congress with some missions actually accomplished, like his historic infrastructure package, as well big dreams deferred.
He still wants to “Build Back Better.” In the funk of these times, Americans just seem to want someone to wake them up when it’s all over.
___
Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
18 comments
Tom
February 27, 2022 at 1:37 pm
This POTUS has had literally the worst 14 months I’ve ever seen. And I go back to Carter.
I always try to give any POTUS some benefit of the doubt. It has become almost impossible.
The state of our union is not well because the our domestic and international polices by this POTUS are atrocious. Abandoning our southern border, with over 2 million illegals, and allies and Americans with the Afghan debacle abroad.
Grade F.
Economic malaise, run away inflation and middle class, domestic gas/oil cut back, importing from Russia.
Working class abandonment, as Dems use to be the working class party. Since the Clintons, Obama and Biden; they have abandoned middle America for China and millionaire class. They only know them, not middle America, working or middle class people. The Repub. party has become the party of blue collar, middle class and working class. His dis approval is in the 30’s on all key issues. On Covid he did nothing besides berate the public.
He didn’t order tests. Everything was handed off to him. He bungled that. Grade F.
Biden’s collusion with Russia and China is appalling, closing down pipelines. Refusing permitting of oil, destroying the greatest economy, 3.5 unemployment rate of 17,18 and 19. He’s atrocious. Grade D.
Back to back debacles with Afghan and Ukraine are overwhelming American society. Negotiating, Offering Iran the bomb is dangerous. All foreign adversaries do not fear him. 61% polled said Russia would not have moved on Ukraine with Trump. Humiliating. Grade F.
His personal family son issue is an embarrassment and Corp media covered it up. Grade F.
His angry insulting demeanor is atrocious.
Harris is not qualified. Psaki needs a sock to shut up. His staff and cabinet are horrible.
The fake efforts at unity and bipartisan are demagogue blather.
As a student of the presidency his term is atrocious. He’s literally on the purposefully opposite side on every issue. His party’s extremism wants to change America, they want &10.00 gas a gallon. No carbon.
The state of our union is a dangerous and poor thanks to this. There is a epic mid term reversal coming. 40 to 60 House seats, 6 to 8 Senate seat flip. Independents, middle class suburban, Hispanic voters have abandoned Biden and Dems. The floor has fallen and hasn’t settled.
Tom
February 27, 2022 at 9:14 pm
The state of our union is a disaster!
Biden and his minions are pathetic.
He’s destroyed the economy, foreign debacles, over 2 million illegals, southern border, runaway inflation, gas, oil spiked, and green deal disaster.
PeterH
February 27, 2022 at 2:25 pm
The bright spot in the news for today’s GQP is highlighted in their ever important display of what they perceive as “conservative values” at CPAC in Orlando. Please note that like the past several years real conservatives were absent from the event.
Meanwhile in Orlando, Florida a second annual showing for a far right wing white supremacy event simultaneously coordinated with DeSantis’s CPAC clown show.
The White Nationalist venue championed Putin and endorsed placing anyone in opposition to their policies in an electric chair. Republicans Marjorie Taylor Green and Paul Goser represented the GQP at this cherished event of today’s alternative Republican Party.
Tom
February 28, 2022 at 6:03 pm
State of our union due to incompetent Joe & giggles Harris are a disaster.
Thanks to them:
Closest to Nuclear war since Cuba crisisz
Southern border abandoned. Record 2. 1/2 million illegals.
More Covid deaths, compare to past potus 45. Bungled Covid relief.
RunAway inflation, over 10%.
Gas/oil sky rocketing to record levels.
Unemployed Record jobs, society abandoning work for welfare.
Record deficits.
Corrupt crony cabinet members, sec energy and transportation profiting.
Depressed, cut domestic oil production.
Record low job approval, economy, foreign policy and lack of competence. Just a disastrous Presidency.
FP Monitor
February 28, 2022 at 6:10 pm
It’s a big mistake to respond to anything Tom posts. He’s an arrogant ignorant Trumpster hack simply looking for the attention he doesn’t get from friends or family. Do yourself and ALL OF US a big favor. Ignore all of his return comments. Maybe the internet troll will go away.
Tom
February 28, 2022 at 6:22 pm
FP monitor Soros clone.
I’ve destroyed the Manchurian nation
They no longer have a free ride at FP.
They can’t defeat a legend!
They’ve all fled.
See ya.
PeterH
February 28, 2022 at 6:13 pm
It’s 6PM ….. Tom just returned from his post as a Walmart Greeter.
He would like you to believe he’s important …. here’s the resume he tries to sell::
“I am a political scientist, electoral guru and presidential scholar.”
LOL ….. have a good laugh folks.
Tom
March 1, 2022 at 5:10 am
You towel off Schmidt and Wilson peter h. You know nothing bout public policy, electoral politics, or the presidency. Unlike me, you loser.
You are just a cheap Lincoln predator. Makes you jealous I have so much more knowledge, depth and substance over you. Where’s your pal Alex? All your Manchurians nation have been defeated by me. The legend continues.
Tom
February 28, 2022 at 7:49 pm
Breaking news: alert! Music please.
Biden to name son Hunter special envoy in negotiating energy and peace
deal. He’s quite knowledgeable after profiting so much with his energy deals.
In addition, Dems support second amendment rights for Ukrainians! Right go bear arms. Hunter will show them how to misplace them after.
Tom
February 27, 2022 at 3:29 pm
No one, I mean no one besides you and Liz Cheney pays Attn. Peter h is a agent propagandist for far left extremists.
Biden presidency is meaningless. The most insignificant since Carter. Multiple foreign policy debacles, economic ruin, more Covid deaths then Trump, gas/oil destruction, runaway inflation, abandoning border, run away crime, economic job despair. As a student of presidency it’s a disaster. Nuclear war is now real. Worse then imagined.
His party is ultra leftist.
Major congressional investigations coming, multiple impeachment inquiry’s with new congress. 60 net House seats flip and 8 Senate seats,
Biden is in political hell and can’t get out.
His approval is in mid 30’s on issues. His avg 38% approval overall. Hopeless.
DeSantis approval in Florida is 58%. Leads clown show by 22 pts,
Wah peter h, Wah Wah,
PeterH
February 27, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Now does Tom’s above post indicate that he’s an intelligent knowledgeable individual? Here is how he self describes:
“I am a political scientist, electoral guru and presidential scholar.”
LOL ….. have a good laugh folks.
Tom
February 27, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Jealous shoe shine boy.
Go screw your teddy bear.
PeterH
February 27, 2022 at 10:55 pm
Sounds like you’re angry that I caught you lying and expounding fake credentials! You must think everyone on this site doesn’t read your garbage, poor fifth grade grammar and mis-spelled words.
Tom
February 27, 2022 at 11:34 pm
Not at all.
I’ve studied politics with degree, I am a student of the presidency and I’ve professionally worked electoral politics and campaigns. I have repeatedly predicted electoral congressional races. You have no idea who you are dealing with.
I’ve studied the presidency, presidents and congress for decades.
I stand up to and defeat all you Manchurians easily. I enjoy it.
I could care less what you think.
You are the most fake, lying, pathetic and hypocrite I’ve encountered. Your lack of depth, knowledge is overwhelming.
No problem. I kick all your asses happily.
PeterH
February 27, 2022 at 11:52 pm
No one on this site believes you. Now you’re pretending to have a degree …..but posted months ago you did not.
Chronic lying …. just like Trump. Seek professional help for your narcissistic behavior.
Tom
February 28, 2022 at 8:05 am
I posted nothing of sort.
You are demented and jealous.
You don’t have substance nor fact on anything. You meander in Alice wonderland mythology.
I don’t care what you or any other Manchurian says. I crush all of you, suffer gladly. You all run from me.
I’ve changed FP for the better.
You just trash Trump and DeSantis, you can’t defend nor try to defend any of this POTUS’s incompetence.
This is literally the worst presidency since Carter, and Hoover’s pre depression. That’s a presidential scholar for you, you ass wipe.
Under any historic electoral metric the Biden, Dems are headed for a
devastating mid term. Historic losses.
That’s the electoral and political scientist in me. I’m not referencing Florida, that’s a given! Nationally it’s a wipe out.
Peter you are the community idiot. Enjoy.
comments
February 27, 2022 at 4:06 pm
poison politics someone said and placed.get the antidotes.and stop selling everyone’s mothers brother sisters uncles friends to the adversaries that means everyone china and all that jazz.and no one needs to know about std 50 years ago at the dentist for a cavity..it is not for their public gathering.i swear it is mobbing.freedom to speech b.s.information b.s.get identification and declare your intent.where is someones phone text the news business.doozy yep doozy.real.not pretend.pleasure isn’t it. why i feel something is pointing.getting real tired of this. what is this type of monitor you.i do not need a monitor.plus your monitor sucks.seriously(importance politics.) privacy and where does other totalitarian control your stuff.they are not your keepers. criminal injury should be justified. not exploited. not oh no you are not safe anymore.ha ha ha.
Foolsrussa
March 2, 2022 at 4:30 am
Biden is a liar. 50 years in office and you believe the SAME lies. Yet…You all will read TMZ and National Enquirer all of which can’t save you, so will you read this: “If you claim you have no sin, you are only fooling yourself and not living in the truth….but if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Now you’ve heard it. Jesus is Lord and at the name of Jesus EVERY knee shall bow and every tongue confess JESUS IS LORD. You’ve heard it now. You’ll have no excuse if you reject this. Ask God now to open your eyes and save you. Or reject it, laugh and go on your way.
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