For those focused on the style and presentation of this speech, this performance (so far) will again raise the question: Why doesn’t he put himself out there more?
Biden makes a callback to his hot mic moment
Biden seemed to allude to a famous hot mic moment from when he was vice president.
"Obamacare is still a very big deal," Biden said — alluding to the time he was caught on a hot mic, after President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, telling Obama, "This is a big f------ deal."
McConnell appeared to crack a grin at the line.
Biden ad-libs a dig at drug companies
Interesting to see Biden ad-lib after this line: “Instead of paying $400 a month for insulin, seniors with diabetes only have to pay $35 a month!” He added the drug companies still make healthy profits, which was not in prepared remarks.
Before the word “populism” got redefined on the right, this is a speech that would have been described as Democratic Party populism of the 20th century. Not sure either Clinton or Obama would have ever thought to shout out a labor union head at any of their addresses. Of course, unions are more popular today than they were in the ’90s or even the early ’00s.
Voters want to hear Biden acknowledge they're still struggling
Biden, as expected, is touting economic success and job opportunities. But voters we’ve interviewed want to see an acknowledgment that things are also still hard in people’s lived experiences, especially as it relates to wages and housing costs.
Democratic and Republican voters across the country have told NBC News in recent months that they don't feel good about the economy. Families say they want to hear that the president is aware that they're still struggling.
Biden seemingly referenced the way people feel about the economy saying, “There’s more to do to make sure you feel the benefits of all we’re doing.”
A different House speaker sitting behind Biden each time
Biden has had a different House speaker sitting behind him for each of his State of the Union speeches: Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.; and Mike Johnson, R-La.
Biden brings up Jan. 6 more than in past addresses
With at least three mentions of “January 6” so far, it appears Biden has already mentioned that Capitol riot more this year than in his past addresses. In 2021, in an address to a joint session of Congress more than four months after the riot, Biden did not use the exact phrase “January 6.” He also did not do so in his 2022 State of the Union address, according to transcripts of those speeches. Last year he mentioned “January 6” twice.
Biden expected to refer only to his 'predecessor,' not name Trump
Instead of naming Trump directly, Biden will refer to his “predecessor” throughout the speech. He is set to use the term roughly a dozen times.
Biden jabs Republicans on infrastructure bill
Biden calls out Republicans who voted against the infrastructure bill but are showing up at the groundbreakings.
He jokes: If any of you don’t want that money, just let me know.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has often referred to these lawmakers as the “vote no but take the dough” Republicans
Biden has picked up the pace for this address — faster than his delivery in day-to-day remarks.