Joe Biden takes aim at Donald Trump in key State of the Union Speech

The US president made his case for re-election setting out the key issues in his campaign, ITV News US Correspondent Dan Rivers reports

Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his State of Union speech, using it to take political swings at Donald Trump and covering the themes of his re-election campaign.

Without actually saying Trump's name, the US president fired multiple attacks at "my predecessor" stating that he jeopardised freedom with his support for "resentment, revenge and retribution".

President Biden raised his voice a number of times to quell voter concern surrounding his age and performance.

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

The sharp tone taken during his speech was a break from his usual appearances, and was intended to banish doubts that the 81-year-old, the country's oldest president, is still up to the job.

He also accused his likely opponent of "bowing down" to Russia and criticised him over the Capitol riot.

"Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time," President Biden said, as he appealed for Congress to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia's more than two-year-old invasion.

President Biden directly referenced the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, calling out those who have played it down.

"My predecessor - and some of you here - seek to bury the truth about January 6 - I will not do that," President Biden said.

"This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here's a simple truth. You can't love your country only when you win."

President Biden also spoke on immigration, abortion, the economy and Gaza.

This year, President Biden faced heightened emotions - particularly among his base supporters - over his staunch backing for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

President Biden had initially hoped a short-term ceasefire would be in place by the speech to allow for the release of more hostages and surge sorely needed aid into the territory.

The White House blames Hamas for not yet accepting a deal brokered by the US and its allies.

"Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren't caught in the crossfire," President Biden said, delivering a warning that Israel should not use aid as a "bargaining chip" with Hamas, even as he reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself from attacks by the proscribed terror group group.

Immigration was also a flashpoint of the evening,

Republican senators recently scuttled months of negotiations with Democrats on legislation aimed at curbing record illegal border crossings.

The compromise would have bent to Republican pressure to stiffen border measures with Mexico, but Trump used his influence to sink the talks.

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was wearing pro-Trump paraphernalia, continued to shout at President Biden, as the US president held up a white button that Ms Taylor-Greene had handed him earlier bearing the name of Laken Riley.

Authorities say the Georgia nursing student was killed by a Venezuelan national, who unlawfully crossed into the US in September 2022.

"Laken Riley," Biden said, calling her an "innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal". He expressed condolences to her family, saying his heart goes out to them.

What is the State of the Union address?

The State of the Union address is the marquee night on the White House calendar, offering presidents a direct line to a captive audience of politicians and tens of millions of viewers at home.

Often quite rigid and scripted affairs, President Biden frequently veered off script to ad-lib lines and parlay with Republicans.

The result was one of the most raucous State of Union addresses in years, with the chamber brimming with friction due to the election looming.

It is almost certain to be President Biden's largest audience of the year.

Aides said he was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on access to abortion, but also tax policy and healthcare.

Trump responded to the speech in real time on his Truth Social site, defending himself and blasting President Biden for what he said "may be the Angriest, Least Compassionate, and Worst State of the Union Speech ever made. It was an Embarrassment to our Country!"

Polls have shown that many voters are not enthusiastic at the direction the US has moved in since President Biden entered the White House. This is despite an economy that is seemingly recovering post Covid.

When asked in surveys, many Americans have little idea of the accomplishments President Biden has made.

Which has likely led to him leaning into populist themes, such as raising taxes on the wealthy, lowering prescription costs and trying to push back against the cost of living concerns.

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