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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaState of the Union: Biden draws election battle lines in fiery speechPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsState of the UnionImage source, ReutersBy Anthony ZurcherNorth America correspondentPresident Joe Biden delivered a fiery State of the Union address on Thursday, taking repeated swipes at Donald Trump and covering the broad themes of his re-election campaign.Mr Biden used the term “my predecessor” to refer to Mr Trump 13 times in a speech that lasted more than an hour.He accused his likely election opponent of “bowing down” to Russia and criticised him over the Capitol riot.Mr Biden also covered immigration, abortion, the economy and Gaza.The atmosphere in the House chamber was raucous at times, with loud cheering from Democrats and heckling from some Republicans.It was a spectacle more typical of a political convention than a State of Union address – a constitutionally mandated report that is usually heavy on pageantry and policy.But this is an election year and the stakes for Mr Biden were high. He was feisty and confrontational as he sought to draw the battle lines for his nascent campaign.Taking aim at TrumpUnsurprisingly, many of his barbs were aimed at Mr Trump given he is almost certain to be his opponent in November’s general election.”My predecessor failed the most basic duty any president owes the American people – the duty to care,” he said in reference to Mr Trump’s handling of the Covid pandemic. “That is unforgivable.”He criticised Mr Trump for his recent comments about Russia and Nato, and said that he sought to “bury the truth” about the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol. He blamed him for the Supreme Court decision to overturn the Roe v Wade ruling which guaranteed abortion rights and for blocking bipartisan immigration reforms.Mr Trump, meanwhile, had promised to react in real time to the speech on his Truth Social platform. “Biden is on the run from his record and lying like crazy to try to escape accountability for the horrific devastation he and his party have created,” he wrote.”They continue the very policies that are causing this horror show to go,” he said.Mr Biden aggressive approach on Thursday may have been born, at least in part, out of necessity. At 81, he is the oldest president in US history and has been beset by questions about his age and mental acuity. His approval ratings are the lowest of any modern president seeking re-election. He is in a statistical dead heat with Mr Trump, however, who also is viewed negatively by voters.Even when Mr Biden addressed his age, he did so with a jab at Mr Trump, who at 77 is only a few years younger than him. “I know it may not look like it, but I’ve been around for a while,” he said. After rattling off a list of positive attributes he said defined America, he added a kicker.”Some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge and retribution.”A stumble on immigrationMr Biden regularly ad-libbed responses to what was at times a hostile audience on the Republican side of the chamber. He quipped, parried and expressed mock surprise at their outbursts.When the topic turned to immigration, a subject of political vulnerability for the president, he was once again ready to engage. But here, he stumbled.After Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene accused him of ignoring the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, Mr Biden held up a button with her name on it – one Ms Greene had given him as he walked in.After seemingly mispronouncing her name as “Lincoln” Riley, he said she was murdered by an “illegal” – a term criticised by immigrant-rights groups.Mr Biden went on to call for Republicans to support the bipartisan immigration legislation passed by the Senate and accused Mr Trump of “playing politics” by opposing the bill for electoral gain. The damage, however, may have been done.A sales pitch for NovemberWhen Mr Biden wasn’t throwing haymakers at his opponent, he sought to highlight what he characterised as a record of accomplishment during his first term and outline a sales pitch for his re-election.”I inherited an economy that was on the brink,” he said, “and now our economy is the envy of the world.”Figures on the American economy have been trending up for months now. The public perception of the economy, however, has been much darker.Mr Biden nodded at this split, calling the US economic revival “the greatest story never told”.Whether the president’s words will be enough to change minds, however, remains to be seen.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Alabama Senator Katie Britt started the Republican response with a jab at the president’s ageIt was a speech geared toward the American middle class – the voters of moderate means who make up the bulk of the electorate.It included a variety of new proposals, most of which would require congressional legislation to enact – an unlikely scenario unless Democrats retake the House of Representatives in November. He pitched a tax credit for new home buyers, who have seen their purchasing power eroded by higher mortgage rates. He also called for expanding a cap on prescription drug spending to every American who has health insurance and raising taxes on corporations.Walking the line on GazaMr Biden opened his speech with a call for military aid to Ukraine, but the bulk of his discussion of foreign policy came towards the end when he turned his attention to the Middle East. The Gaza war has divided Democrats, with a vocal portion of the president’s liberal flank calling for the US to use every means at its disposal to push for a ceasefire. Some took to the Washington streets on Thursday evening in an unsuccessful attempt to block the president’s motorcade from reaching the Capitol.Mr Biden said his administration was working towards a ceasefire that would last “at least 6 weeks,” and he detailed a new plan – announced earlier in the day – for the US to construct a temporary seaport in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to enter by ship.He had some harsh words for Israel, calling the civilian casualties in Gaza “heartbreaking” and saying it had a “fundamental responsibility” to protect innocent lives.Mr Biden’s speech, because it was delivered without few significant stumbles or gaffes, is a hurdle cleared for the president – and its content could serve as a guide to how his campaign plans to sell the American public on another four years of Democratic governance.At the very least, it will probably convince nervous Democrats that their presumptive nominee is ready to go toe-to-toe with his Republican opponent in November.More on the US electionExplained: A simple guide to the US 2024 electionAnalysis: Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostPolicies: What a Trump second term would look likeEconomy: Voters feel better – will that help Biden?Recap: The Trump life story to dateRelated TopicsWashington DCState of the UnionUS election 2024Donald TrumpUS politicsUnited StatesJoe BidenMore on this storyBiden faces high-stakes address to calm Democratic nervesPublished14 hours agoWhat is the State of the Union speech?Published2 days agoWho’s on the guest list for the State of the Union?Published14 hours agoKatie Britt to offer rebuttal to Biden State of the UnionPublished16 hours agoTop StoriesBiden draws election battle lines in fiery speechPublished51 minutes agoMH370: The families haunted by one of aviation’s greatest mysteriesPublished6 hours agoCoroners’ death reports reveal NHS warnings risePublished5 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Pension pinchers’ and Horner ‘Red Bullish’Singapore sting: How Russia listened in on German generalWeekly quiz: Which billionaire hired Rihanna to celebrate a wedding?MH370: The families haunted by one of aviation’s greatest mysteriesPride, pilgrims and parades: Africa’s top shotsWhy did the IRA not kill Stakeknife?’I’m really shy’ – The return of Gossip’s Beth DittoHow are the child benefit rules changing?The Iranian female DJs shaking the dance floorElsewhere on the BBCCrazy urban myth or legitimate punk-pop conspiracy?Comedian Joanne McNally investigatesAttributionSoundsA ball of fire in the skies of KentMust-see moments from news stories big and small, captured on cameraAttributioniPlayerA disturbing scandal, uncovered after 30 yearsFile on 4 investigates how coal miners’ organs were used for research without their consentAttributionSoundsFearless, unflinching, yet life-affirming stand-upJaney Godley spins bold comedy from her dark and difficult experienceAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Pension pinchers’ and Horner ‘Red Bullish’2£40k orphanage donor feels ‘cheated’ by charity3London a ‘no-go zone for Jews every weekend’4Biden draws election battle lines in fiery speech5MH370: The families haunted by one of aviation’s greatest mysteries6Coroners’ death reports reveal NHS warnings rise7Mass die-offs rising among farmed salmon8Rape survivor says uni training may have saved her9Father could not afford paternity leave to care for ill baby10Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68
[ad_1] Mr Trump, meanwhile, had promised to react in real time to the speech on his Truth Social platform. “Biden is on the run from his record and lying like…
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaMichigan vote to test anger over Biden’s Israel policyPublished56 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Biden’s support for Israel has lost him votes among Arab AmericansBy Brandon DrenonBBC News, in MichiganVoters in Michigan have been organising for months to send Joe Biden a message during the state’s primary on Tuesday: “No ceasefire. No vote.”After President Joe Biden narrowly defeated Donald Trump in Michigan in the last election in 2020, a protest vote tied to events in Gaza is a real concern for the White House.Mr Biden and Mr Trump are on course for a rematch in November, and in a close presidential election – as is predicted by most polls – experts say Michigan is a must-win state.With the largest Arab-American population in the US, the state poses a crucial test as to the impact the Biden administration’s policy on the Israel-Gaza conflict could have on Democrats. The anger it has created among many in that community has been festering for months, and the Democratic primary on Tuesday offers the first chance for the party’s voters to register that discontent by withholding their vote from the president.He is largely unopposed in the Democratic Party’s search for their presidential nominee, but that has not stopped those opposed to his Middle East policy from taking action.In the final hours on the eve of Tuesday’s primary election, Khalid Turaani stood outside the Islamic Center of Detroit and distributed pamphlets encouraging people to vote “uncommitted” on their ballot papers.”We’re doing all that we can to ensure that Biden is a one-term president,” Mr Turaani, the co-organiser behind Abandon Biden, told the BBC.”In November, we will remember. When you stand against the will of the people, you’re going to lose.”Image source, Brandon Drenon/ The BBCImage caption, Khalid Turaani, a co-organiser of Abandon Biden, says his group has made over 30,000 calls petitioning people to vote uncommitted on TuesdayTwo grassroots organisations, including Mr Turaani’s group, Abandon Biden, and a second, Listen to Michigan, are urging Democrats to choose “uncommitted” in Tuesday’s primary. In the state, each party’s candidate list includes an “uncommitted” option, which allows a voter to exercise a party vote without selecting a candidate – in this case, Mr Biden. The movement has gained endorsements from at least 39 state and local elected officials. These include congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Michigan state legislator Abraham Aiyash and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud.”I was proud today to walk in and pull a Democratic ballot and vote uncommitted,” Ms Tlaib said in a video shared to social media. Lexis Zeidan, a co-organiser for Listen to Michigan, said they’re hoping to get at least 10,000 people to vote uncommitted. “We want to wake up the next day on Wednesday, and we want to be able to claim Michigan as a pro-Palestinian state,” she said. “And we want to inspire communities across the nation to know that, at the end of the day, America is beholden to its people.”Life inside Gaza – a day of BBC coverageWhy are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?Biden losing Arab-American voters in swing stateMr Biden’s victory in this primary election is assured, but Democrats will be watching how many vote “uncommitted” to see what electoral harm has been done by the president’s support of Israel in its months-long war against Hamas in Gaza. Recent national opinion polls suggest a majority of Democrats disapprove of the president’s handling of the crisis. In places like Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit where a large concentration of the state’s Arab-American population lives, discontent with Democrats appears to be widespread. Image source, Brandon Drenon/ The BBCImage caption, Dozens gathered at the Islamic Center of Detroit were handed pamphlets on Monday encouraging them not to support Joe BidenThe president has attempted to walk a tightrope between sending aid to Israel, a longstanding US ally with historically strong support from Democrats, and appeasing those in his party who want the devastation in Gaza to end now. Senator Gary Peters, from Michigan, told the BBC and other reporters at a meeting arranged by the Biden campaign on Monday that the president understands voters’ concerns about the situation in Gaza.”[President Biden] hears loud and clear what folks are saying. He cares deeply about innocent civilians being caught in that crossfire,” Sen Peters said. “And he’s going to do everything in his power to bring that to an end as quickly as he can.”The Biden team has pointed to domestic achievements like job creation, investment in poorer communities and lowering healthcare costs as ways the president has helped voters in Michigan.In one attempt to pacify their frustrations, Mr Biden’s campaign staff attempted to organise an in-person meeting with Arab-American leaders in January, a request denied by Dearborn’s mayor. “This is not the time to talk about elections,” Mayor Hammoud said at the time.Instead, he and other community leaders met senior staff from the White House in February. Mr Aiyash, the state representative, told the New York Times after the meeting: “We emphasised that beyond communication, there needs to be a change in policies.” However, the White House has been reluctant to reel back its support, sending billions of dollars in military aid to Israel and three times blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. Instead the US has called for a pause in fighting and defended Israel’s right to hunt down the Hamas gunmen who killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel on 7 October. The death toll in Gaza is nearly 30,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-led health ministry.Gazans surviving off animal feed and rice as food dwindlesHope for Gaza ceasefire by next week, says Biden’Evacuating was a mistake’: Israelis push to return to border homes Samraa Luqman, another member of Abandon Biden who described herself as a far-left Democrat, said: “And yet today I stand before you telling you that I am considering voting for Trump in 2024.”Irrespective of the price I may pay as a Muslim woman in this country, I’m still willing to draw the red line and say that the commission of genocide is more of a priority to me,” she said. Israel vehemently rejects allegations that it is committing genocide in Gaza.Image source, Brandon Drenon/ The BBCImage caption, Khalid Turaani distributed flyers on Monday encouraging people not to vote for Joe BidenMichigan is one of six major swing states that experts say Mr Biden will need to win to defeat Mr Trump in a likely November rematch. The others include Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Arizona.Michigan has flipped twice in the last two presidential elections, from a Trump-led Republican victory in 2016, back to Democrats under Mr Biden in 2020.The president’s 2020 victory was by nearly 155,000 votes – fewer than the total number of registered Muslim voters in Michigan. Nationwide, 64% of Muslim voters backed Mr Biden in 2020, according to Associated Press, but that figure rose to nearly 70% in Michigan counties with large Arab-American populations.President Biden and his campaign surrogates have made repeated visits to Michigan, looking to shore up support and remind voters of his commitment to blue-collar workers, a key Democratic voting bloc from whom Mr Trump has increasingly drawn support.In September, President Biden joined the picket lines in Detroit with members of the United Auto Workers union, a first for a sitting president in over a century.Four months later, the UAW officially endorsed the president’s re-election bid, which was welcomed by the Biden campaign amid waning voter enthusiasm. Polls suggest that Gaza is just one vulnerability – voters are also increasingly concerned about the president’s age and are pessimistic about the economy, despite strong growth and low unemployment.Image source, Brandon Drenon/ The BBCImage caption, Nate, who asked the BBC not to use his last name, estimated he had about $2,000 worth of metal to recycle on MondayThe sceptics include blue-collar workers from the metro Detroit area, like Nate. Standing in a metal scrapyard recycling facility in Dearborn, less than a mile from a Ford car plant where plumes of smoke billowed into the air, he told the BBC he feels “like the economy is getting worse”.He’s been the owner of a dumpster rental and heavy-trash collecting business for over 10 years, but he said lately “I’ve seen less business, less people”. “Things have slowed down since Biden took office,” Nate said. “I’m not sure who I’m voting for this year.”Farther down the road, Adam Abusalah, an organiser with Listen to Michigan who was a member of Mr Biden’s campaign staff in 2020, told the BBC: “People are voting uncommitted for several reasons.”He said his organisation was making calls to more than just Arab Americans but also other members of Michigan’s black and brown communities and “voters across the state who are not happy with Biden”. Mr Abusalah said people were upset with the president before 7 October, the start of the Israel-Gaza war.”People were seeing how Biden handled the Ukraine war and seeing him send so much money but not being able to invest that into our communities,” he said. “There’s a city here in Michigan – Flint – that hasn’t had clean water for over a decade.”Image source, Brandon Drenon/ The BBCImage caption, Adam Abusalah worked for Joe Biden’s campaign in 2020 but says he will never vote for Mr Biden againIt’s an increasingly common complaint heard from many US voters who often express frustration over federal spending on wars while their communities struggle. For Mr Abusalah, however, Mr Biden’s support of Israel amid a worsening humanitarian crisis and skyrocketing death toll was the ultimate catalyst that turned him from the president – even if it means a president who once enacted a Muslim travel ban takes his place.”If we have another Trump presidency, that’s not on me. That’s not on voters. That’s on Biden,” he said.”[President Biden] cannot win back my vote. Absolutely not. It’s 30,000 lives too late.” More on the US electionExplained: A simple guide to the US 2024 electionAnalysis: Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostPolicies: What a Trump second term would look likeEconomy: Voters feel better – will that help Biden?Recap: The Trump life story to dateRelated TopicsMichiganUS election 2024US politicsUnited StatesJoe BidenMore on this storyWhy these Arab Americans say Biden lost their votePublished1 FebruaryBiden losing Arab-American voters in swing statePublished6 November 2023Biden wins South Carolina Democratic primaryPublished4 FebruaryWhere Biden v Trump will be won and lostPublished31 JanuaryA simple guide to the US 2024 electionPublished24 JanuaryHow does US electoral college choose presidents?Published30 JanuaryTop StoriesPost Office confirms boss is under investigationPublished21 minutes agoSixth person charged with spying for Russia in UKPublished1 hour agoNetanyahu and Biden spar over Israel-Gaza war supportPublished1 hour agoFeaturesGazans in survival mode with cold nights and food rationsWhy firms are racing to produce green ammoniaSecondary school places: What parents need to knowWalkers spot ‘breathtaking’ cloud inversionsThe young refusing to become Myanmar’s ‘human shields’Hear the fish louder than a jackhammer. 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AudioListen: No Apology by Lee AndersonAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSoundsWhat is it really like to be a monk?’To be a monk is something very vast, very high and very beautiful’AttributioniPlayerThe screening dilemma…Could good intentions to detect illnesses early actually be causing more harm?AttributionSoundsFrom triumph to tragedy…After more than 30 years of service, America’s space shuttle took to the skies for the last timeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Royals mourn Prince Michael of Kent’s son-in-law2Post Office confirms boss is under investigation3Boys arrested after animals killed at college4Murder probe launched after dog walker shot dead5Two men convicted of Run-DMC star’s murder in 20026Four of couple’s children taken into care7Murder-accused mother ‘caned’ son as ‘bible allowed’8Netanyahu and Biden spar over Israel-Gaza war support9Sixth person charged with spying for Russia in UK10Lobbying scandal MP recall petition triggered](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/31C8/production/_132744721_img_4841.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBiden ‘wilfully retained’ classified files but will not be chargedPublished16 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesUS President Joe Biden “wilfully retained and disclosed classified materials”, a special counsel has found, but he will not face charges.The investigation began more than a year ago after several secret documents were found at Mr Biden’s home and former private office. The files were immediately returned to US officials when discovered.”We conclude that the evidence does not establish Mr Biden’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” the report reads.”Prosecution of Mr Biden is also unwarranted based on our consideration of the aggravating and mitigating factors,” says justice department Special Counsel Robert Hur.Mr Hur’s 345-page report was released publicly on Thursday after the White House said it would not request any redactions.Investigators conducted 173 interviews with 147 witnesses, including President Biden himself. He answered questions in the Hur inquiry over the course of two days in October.Mr Hur’s report says that it would be difficult to convict Mr Biden of improper handling because “at trial, Mr Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory”.Mr Hur’s report revealed for the first time that the documents were classified as Top Secret – the highest level of secrecy, and were regarding military and foreign policy in Afghanistan.The documents recovered also included notebooks containing Mr Biden’s entries about national security and foreign policy matters “implicating sensitive intelligence sources and methods”.The report went on say that Mr Biden’s actions “present[ed] serious risks to national security, given the vulnerability of extraordinarily sensitive information to loss or compromise to America’s adversaries”.”But addressing those risks when pursuing criminal charges, the only means available to this office, is not the proper remedy here.” This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Top StoriesStarmer defends U-turn on £28bn green spendingPublished57 minutes agoSpecial counsel will not charge Biden over classified documentsPublished16 minutes agoKing doing ‘extremely well’ after diagnosis – QueenPublished37 minutes agoFeaturesWhat does Putin gain from Tucker Carlson interview?’We are surrounded’ – Guarding the Middle East’s most dangerous borderWhat happened to Labour’s £28bn for green projects?North Koreans working in China ‘exploited like slaves’Paris 2024 medals to include Eiffel Tower metalAttributionSportI rarely saw people like me in lead roles, says One Day starClimbing Everest? You need to bring your poo backDisney boss betting big on Taylor Swift and Fortnite to boost streaming serviceIndian player sparks conversation on sexism in chessElsewhere on the BBC’If I can’t live with you, I don’t want to live anyway’The Hungarian footballer executed for loveAttributionSoundsFrom the seizure of Crimea to the war in UkraineThe inside story of a decade of clashes, as told by the Western leaders who traded blows with PutinAttributioniPlayerFrom The Fall to Fifty ShadesActor Jamie Dornan shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren LaverneAttributionSoundsHow do they make two million litres of stout per day?Gregg Wallace hops into the world of Irish stout at the Guinness brewery in DublinAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Special counsel will not charge Biden over classified documents2King doing ‘extremely well’ after diagnosis – Queen3What does Putin gain from Tucker Carlson interview?4Deal done five years after footballer Sala’s death5Starmer defends U-turn on £28bn green spending6Fashion icons assemble for Enninful’s last Vogue7Pizza takeaway raid in search for Clapham suspect8Nuclear fusion leap brings clean power dream closer9Starmer says he was shocked by Sunak’s trans jibe10More than 100 Raac school buildings to be rebuilt](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/17DFD/production/_132598779_gettyimages-1835509429.jpg)
