Biden's "Great Comeback Story"... Fierce Attack on 'Predecessor' Trump (Summary)

"Bow to Putin... Anger, Revenge, Retaliation"
Continued Support for Ukraine... Neutral on Israel-Palestine Issue
'Wealth Tax' to Reduce Deficit... Directly Addressing Aging Population Controversy

U.S. President Joe Biden, ahead of the November presidential election, emphasized his achievements as a "great comeback story" during his final State of the Union address, launching an offensive against former President Donald Trump. Over 68 minutes, he used the term 'predecessor' 13 times to criticize Trump and highlight his own accomplishments.

"Predecessor who bowed to Putin"... Differentiating from Trump

At the start of his speech, President Biden referenced recent controversial remarks made by former President Trump. He said, "My predecessor (former President Trump) told Putin to do whatever he wanted. He bowed to the Russian leader," adding, "I will not bow to Putin." This was aimed at Trump's bombshell statement that NATO allies who do not pay their defense costs would not be protected if Russia attacked, essentially telling Russia to do as it pleased.

US President Joe Biden delivers his final State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington DC on the 7th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

He also stated, "The United States will not flee from Ukraine," expressing his intention to continue supporting the war-torn country.

Emphasizing democratic values, he mentioned the January 6 Capitol riot by Trump supporters in 2021. He said, "Threats to democracy must be stopped," and added, "Some of my predecessor's people want to question the truth about January 6, but I will not." President Biden devoted over nine minutes of his speech to democracy, the longest segment.

In public relations, he highlighted his strengths compared to former President Trump. He said, "We have revitalized alliances and partnerships in the Pacific with India, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. We ensured that America's cutting-edge technology cannot be used in China's weapons," pointing out, "My predecessor, despite harsh words about China, never thought to do this."

Reducing Deficit by $3 Trillion through 'Wealth Tax'... Presenting Second-Term Blueprint

While emphasizing his achievements, he also presented a blueprint for a second term. He pledged to reduce the federal deficit by $3 trillion (approximately 397.4 billion KRW) through a 'wealth tax.' He stated, "My goal is to make large corporations and the very wealthy pay their fair share, ultimately reducing the federal deficit by $3 trillion." He also vowed, "I will raise the corporate minimum tax rate from the current 15% to 21%."

Regarding the failure of the border control bill aimed at curbing illegal immigration to pass Congress, he criticized, "I heard that my predecessor called Republican lawmakers to demand they block this bill." He also condemned Trump's remarks that immigrants pollute America's blood, saying, "I will not demonize immigrants, nor will I separate immigrant families who enter the U.S. I will not ban them because of their faith."

On the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, he said, "Israel has the right to attack Hamas," but also stated, "Israel has the responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza," showing a neutral stance. He mentioned proposing a 'two-state solution' with independent Israel and Palestine and ordering the construction of a temporary port on the Gaza coast to expand humanitarian aid.

Regarding the Supreme Court's overturning of the 'Roe v. Wade' ruling that recognized abortion rights up to six months of pregnancy, he said, "My predecessor overturned the 'Roe v. Wade' ruling," and added, "I will restore it through the laws of this land."

If re-elected, he pledged to take measures on AI legislation, marijuana legalization, lowering drug prices, expanding health insurance, new mortgage programs, and gun control. He showed a focus on domestic issues, conscious of re-election.

President Biden emphasized, "I inherited an economy in crisis," but added, "Yet the world envies the American economy."

Directly Addressing Age Controversy... "The Issue Is Not Age but Mindset"

The age controversy is considered President Biden's biggest weakness in this election. Former President Trump's camp has raised concerns about Biden's health and mental state at age 81. Biden confronted the issue head-on, saying, "The problem America faces is not age but how old the mindset is."

He also said that his life has taught him the law of embracing freedom and democracy, mentioning American values such as honesty, dignity, respect, and equality, adding, "There are things that become clearer when you reach my age (81)." Targeting 77-year-old former President Trump, he emphasized, "Others my age see stories of anger, revenge, and retaliation. I am different." He added, "Hatred, anger, revenge, and retaliation are the oldest thoughts," and said, "You cannot lead America with old ideas that take the country backward."

Former President Trump responded in real-time via social media, calling the speech angry, polarized, and full of hatred.

First, he criticized the speech for starting about 26 minutes later than scheduled, calling it "extremely late and a big disrespect."

Regarding Biden's claim that Trump bowed to Putin, Trump countered, "Putin invaded Ukraine because he did not respect Biden," and said, "NATO is stronger because of me. I made NATO countries pay money."

On the January 6 Capitol riot, he repeated his claim that his 2020 election loss was fraudulent.

He also attacked Biden's age controversy, saying, "He seems to be losing his effectiveness. President Biden keeps coughing."