Biden’s most important task in the SOTU is to prove to the public that he is physically and mentally fit to do the job for another four years. I can’t help him with that, but here’s some advice on what to say on domestic issues:
- A BLAST FROM THE PAST: America has forgotten what life was like when Biden took office. Unemployment had soared; thousands of people were dying from the virus every day; and the government’s response to the challenge was chaotic at best. And, of course, there was January 6. Today, unemployment is very low and the pandemic is over. Life is good, comparatively speaking.
- INFLATION: Inflation was a worldwide problem caused by side effects of the pandemic. Just as it did after the two world wars, it has subsided. It is under control again. It won’t be, however, if we impose new tariffs on imported goods; that’s a big tax increase, by the way.
- ABORTION: Due to the decision in Dobbs, abortion rights are under threat in the entire country–even in states that have put them in their constitutions. A national ban is a real possibility. Roe should be codified at the federal level immediately.
- CLIMATE CHANGE: It is still an existential threat. The huge fire in Texas is evidence of that. It comes for people in red as well as blue states. We made significant progress by passing the IRA, but more needs to be done. Let’s keep working on it.
- THE BORDER: The problems at the border are the result of inadequate resources and legislation that doesn’t address some of the issues with regard to asylum. The bipartisan Senate bill was a big step forward. Let’s finish the job.