Of all the State of the Union addresses a president could deliver, it’s the one that comes in an election year that counts as the ultimate high wire act.
On paper it’s a chance for Biden to set out his legislative agenda.
But in practice, it’s his first big campaign speech. Amid concerns over his age and mental sharpness, it’s not just what the president says, but how he says it.
Biden will have to convince voters that he has what it takes to finish the job; tackling concerns over immigration, reproductive rights and the economy.
On that final point, he’ll likely argue the State of the Union is sound; unemployment is at a record low, the stock market is rallying.
But many Americans don’t feel that. At home and abroad, allies and adversaries will scrutinise Biden’s every word on crucial matters, such as aid to Ukraine and Israel.
In short, this could be President Biden’s final State of the Union – or it could be the start of the next four years. Tonight, there’s no room to slip up.
