State of the Union 2022 - Boebert doubles down on heckle as veteran’s widow calls for her removal
As it happened: Joe Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to Congress
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Your support makes all the difference.Joe Biden has woken up an encouraging reception for his first State of the Union address, which snap polling says met with the approval of more than two-thirds of Americans – a rare bit of good news for a president whose ratings remain underwater.
Mr Biden at times received bipartisan standing applause in the House chamber last night, especially during his remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Putin’s war was premeditated and unprovoked,” the president said. “He rejected efforts at diplomacy. He thought the West and Nato wouldn’t respond. And, he thought he could divide us here at home. Putin was wrong. We were ready.”
However, progressives have given a lukewarm reception to the domestic elements of Mr Biden’s speech, in which he promised to “fund the police” while declining to go as far as some wanted on key issues like immigration.
Speaking on MSNBC, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that “there’s some themes that are left a little bit to be desired for key constituencies in the Democratic base, but the president’s goal was very clear on really projecting a theme of unity and I think he’s still stuck to that.”
Meanwhile, the White House has hit back at heckling from far-right Congresswomen Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, with Press Secretary Jen Psaki remarking that their shouting at the president “says a lot more about them” than it does about the substance of his speech.
In pictures: Lawmakers await the president
Biden enters chamber
President Joe Biden has arrived in the House chamber to deliver his speech to Congress.
Democrats chant: “Joe! Joe! Joe!”
Some Republicans do not clap.
Sustained applause as Speaker Pelosi introduces the President of the United States.
“Last year Covid-19 kept us apart. This year we are finally together again,” says Biden.
President Putin thought he could roll into Ukraine — and the world would roll over. Instead, he met a wall of strength he never imagined. He met the Ukrainian people.
Huge applause from the lawmakers.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to the US received a standing ovation and a hug from Jill Biden in the House chamber as President Biden praised the resolve of the Ukrainian people.
Mr Biden says President Zelensky inspires the world with his resolve.
“Tonight, we meet as Democrats, Republicans, and independents. But most importantly, as Americans, with the duty to one another to America, to the American people, to the constitution. And an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny.”
Biden says the allied nations are coming after Russian assets.
“Tonight I say to the Russian oligarchs and corrupt leaders who have bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime: No more.”
“Tonight I am announcing that we will join our allies in closing off American air space to all Russian planes.”
Biden reiterates there will be no US troops to Ukraine.
“Let me be clear, our forces are not engaged and will not engage in conflict with Russian forces in Ukraine. Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO Allies in the event that Putin” moves west.
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