Staff Reports
President Joe Biden had a rocky start to his address to the nation on Thursday night. He was seen looking around the Oval Office and seemed a bit lost before finally being directed towards the camera to begin his speech. The awkwardness was heightened by the fact that the speech stream had already been running for seven seconds before Biden was even introduced. It’s not a good look for the 46th president, who already has a reputation for senior moments and confusion.
WATCH: Biden Forgets He's On-Air While Addressing The Nationhttps://t.co/9GgwLM1GKe
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸Josh Dunlap🇺🇲🇺🇲 ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) October 20, 2023
But despite the initial stumble, Biden went on to rally Americans behind his plan to send an additional $100 billion to Israel to support their ground invasion of Gaza. Critics may question the timing and appropriateness of such a move, as it comes on the heels of Hamas’ October 7th attack that resulted in the deaths of thousands. But Biden’s steadfast defense of Israel was applauded by both sides of the aisle.
Of course, social media had a heyday with Biden’s momentary confusion at the start of the program. It seems that every slip-up or lapse in concentration by the 80-year-old president is ripe for mockery. And it’s not unfounded, considering Biden’s age and the physical precautions his advisors have taken to prevent him from falling or stumbling in public. But let’s not forget that age does not determine one’s ability to lead. Wisdom and experience come with age, and Biden has a long history in politics.
During his speech, Biden called on Congress to pass the aid package immediately, which includes around $100 billion in military and humanitarian assistance over the next year. While Ukraine and Israel would be the primary beneficiaries of this package, Taiwan would also receive aid. Biden sees this as a wise investment in American security, one that will benefit future generations.
But, as expected, Biden’s aid package is facing opposition from a growing number of Republicans in both the House and Senate. Some GOP lawmakers, like House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, oppose the idea of providing aid without any strings attached. It’s a legitimate concern, as we should ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and effectively. It’s crucial to have a thorough debate and examination of the aid package before making any decisions.
Overall, Biden’s speech had its awkward moments, but let’s not lose sight of the substance of his message. Supporting our allies and investing in American security are priorities that should be recognized and discussed, even if we have different opinions on the details. As we navigate these challenging times, it’s vital to approach these conversations with respect and an open mind, while also holding our leaders accountable for their actions.
