It is a common though unproven refrain that the state of the union address presents a president the opportunity to reset and influence the mid-term elections in his favor. Even if true, it is hard to see how anyone could think that Biden did this, notwithstanding the triumphant trumpeting of the faithful - I think they are focusing on the fact that he made it for more than an hour without forgetting where he was.
In terms of substance, there was absolutely nothing. He simply repeated his intention to spend more money and get people to buy American. Americans are worried about inflation. He offered a solution, increase productivity (even while increasing taxes, regulation and subsidies?) and increase anti-trust actions. In terms of understanding what inflation is and how it works, this is way worse than the worst undergraduate economics students. It is so bad that one wonders if he could possibly actually believe it. Three options. 1. he believes it (very bad) 2. he doesn't believe it, but it sounds good, and he has to say something. Maybe enough of the sheep will believe it (very bad). 3. he doesn't really know what it means (no words).
There is a lot of grist for the mill. Thinking that restricting imports will reduce prices not increase them. Thinking that a renewable climate agenda will save Americans each $500 when it will actually dramatically increase energy costs (has Ukraine taught him and the climate goons nothing?) Thinking that a $15 minimum wage will help the poor. There was no end to the nonsense.
More disappointing is the left media softballing - disappointing but not surprising.
The question now is what will be the effect if any. Three options.
- enough people were inspired to rethink their decision not to vote Democrat/Progressive - oy vey!
- no effect - not bad, the Senate may get a R majority and the H may narrow their's.
- enough people hated it that it reinforces the drop in his approval rate and the voter shift - this would be great. A R Congress and a D president preventing anything from getting done. The best we can hope for.