Joe Biden’s State Of The Union Speech Will Be Prime Time Opportunity To Allay Democrats’ Fretting Over 2024 Prospects

President Joe Biden is about to deliver his final State of the Union before the 2024 election, in which he is likely to have a rematch against Donald Trump.

With the former president leading in some polls — and giving many Democrats a big dose of fear and loathing about November — Biden’s speech was billed as one of the more important of his career. With polls showing that voters have significant concerns about Biden’s age, the president is likely to be rated not just one what he says, but how he says it.

Networks focused some of their pre-coverage on pro-Palestinian protesters who attempted to block and intersection near the Capitol.

In the chamber, members arrived early to reserve seats along the center aisle, a prime position to be spotted on camera shaking hands with the president and congressional leaders.

By tradition, the White House and members invite guests, typically figures who reflect policy priorities and positions. One figure was unexpected: George Santos, who was on the floor before the speech chatting with members including Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). Wearing a glittery collar, dark jacket and white slacks, he told Fox News’ Chad Pergram that as a former representative he has “floor privileges” but was “just a spectator” this evening. It was Santos’ first time back at the Capitol since he was expelled from the House in December.

Democratic women members were wearing white, the color of the women’s suffrage movement. Biden is expected to call for restoring Roe vs. Wade as the “law of the land” and hammer Republicans for rolling back women’s rights.

Spotted in a Senate basement cafeteria, having a light dinner, was Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY). He said that this was his 31st SOTU. Asked how they have changed, he said that it varies by president, although a recent spate of heckling from Republican members was new.