Democratic lawmakers tell Axios that President Biden's State of the Union performance on Thursday will be pivotal for his attempts to dispel voter concerns about his age.
Why it matters: Some Democrats dread a high-profile senior moment. Others expressed confidence that Biden can repeat last year's energetic performance.
Why it matters: Some Democrats dread a high-profile senior moment. Others expressed confidence that Biden can repeat last year's energetic performance.
- "We are all nervous," said one House Democrat, citing concerns about the 81-year-old Biden's "ability to speak without blowing things."
- Another House Democrat said: "Listen, Trump has made rhetorical slips … Biden is going to make rhetoric slips, I think the key is his energy level."
- "There's no doubt that he has the vigor [for a second term], but that's being questioned," said Hoyer. "He's quick, and he needs to show that."
- "Of the various speeches speeches a president gives, the State of the Union in an election year is a big one," said Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.).
- Longtime Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik — who regularly publishes analyses of the 2024 campaign — told Axios: "Given concerns about Biden's age, his delivery will be as important as his substance."
- "He owned the Republicans when they tried to heckle him," said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, predicting Biden will do an "outstanding job."
- Others pointed to President Trump, saying the contrast between the two will ultimately be Biden's saving grace.
- Another House Democrat offered a simpler rationale for their confidence: "The State of the Union is a speech that's programmed. It's not a debate."
- The underlying message is it was bad form [last year] and ultimately helps the President. Let him babble on without our interrupting," said one House Republican who was present.
- Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) predicted Biden would "get interrupted many times by my colleagues across the aisle" to attempt to force gaffes.
- "It's going to be early, in my opinion. And it's not going to be one or two members. I think they're looking to turn it into a mess."
- "It's going to be one of the biggest audiences that the president will have this year, so it's a huge opportunity to make the case," said Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).