Also in his state of the Union address, U.S President Joe Biden expressed optimism in his ability to lead the country, making reference to his age that has become a controversial topic.
Questions over Biden’s age and fitness for office have become a principal backdrop to his presidential campaign, as some voters say he is too old.
Already, Biden is the oldest U.S President in history, ahead of Ronald Reagan, who was 77 at the end of his second term.
If elected in 2024, Biden would be 86 at the end of his second term.
“I’m optimistic. I really am. I’m optimistic,” Biden said.
He added, “My fellow Americans, the issue facing our nation isn’t how old we are, it’s how old are our ideas?”
Biden made light of his age saying, “I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while, and when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever.”
Apart from the substance of his speech, how Biden spoke and looked were deemed important factors in how Americans absorbed his message.
The President came out fired up and gave an energetic speech that was a far cry from some of his more subdued efforts that have concerned supporters.
Biden provided a preview of what his second term would look like during his address.
He pledged to take actions to legislate artificial intelligence, lower the federal classification of marijuana and work on gun legislation.
Biden disclosed that he wants to help cities and towns invest in more police officers and mental health workers.
He said that he wanted to give “communities the tools to crack down on gun crime, retail crime and carjacking.”
He also referenced the shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 students and two teachers in 2022.
“I’m demanding a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines!” Biden said in fiery remarks.
Additionally, Biden urged lawmakers to “harness the promise of AI and protect us from its peril,” warning of the technology’s risks to Americans if left unchecked.
Biden said Congress should urgently pass legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, including banning “AI voice impersonation and more.”
The technology was used to fake a robocall from Biden in the lead up to the New Hampshire primaries.
U.S To Establish Temporary Port To Transport Aid To Gaza
During his address, President Joe Biden announced a decision to bolster aid delivery to the besieged Gaza enclave.
“I’m directing the US military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the coast of Gaza that can receive large shipments carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters,” he said.
Biden maintained his vow that “no U.S boots will be on the ground” in Gaza and called on Israel to “do its part” and allow more aid inside.
While Biden urged Israel to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip, he mentioned that he has been a “lifelong supporter” of the US ally.
“No one has a stronger requisition than I do. I challenge any of you here,” he said.
“To the leadership of Israel, I say this: Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip. Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority.”
Joe Biden
Moreover, Biden iterated that in response to the October 7 attack, Israel has a right to go after Hamas.
Nonetheless, he added that Israel also has a “fundamental responsibility” to protect civilians in Gaza.
“This war has taken a greater toll on innocent civilians than all previous wars in Gaza combined,” Biden said.
The U.S President disclosed that his administration, along with other countries, has been working to reach an agreement for a temporary ceasefire to release Israeli hostages.
Ahead of Biden’s speech, demonstrators gathered outside the White House to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
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