The annual State of the Union address is generally understood to be an opportunity for the president to tout administration accomplishments and promote its policy aspirations.
The U.S. Constitution says the president "shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."
In President Joe Biden's Feb. 7 speech to the joint session of Congress, a remarkable event occurred that went beyond simply reporting on current events.
Biden appeared to negotiate entitlement policy on center stage during the speech.
"Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans, some Republicans, want Medicare and Social Security to sunset," he said. "I’m not saying it’s the majority."
Republicans Loudly Jeer the Claim
Met with jeers and boos from some of the Republicans in the chamber, and shouts of "Liar!" from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), Biden sensed an opportunity to make a point.
"Let me give you -- anybody who doubts it, contact my office. I’ll give you a copy -- I’ll give you a copy of the proposal."
Apparently off script, Biden addressed the disruption in the room.
"Other Republicans say -- I’m not saying it’s a majority of you, I don’t even think it’s even a significant -- but it’s being proposed by individuals," he said. "I’m not, politely not naming them, but it’s being proposed by some of you."
"Look, folks, the idea is that we’re not going to be -- we’re not going to be moved into being threatened to default on the debt if we don’t respond," he continued.
Biden Senses He Just Negotiated a Deal
As Biden seemed to realize in real time the fact he had just negotiated a hands-off-of- Medicare-and-Social-Security commitment from Republicans for all the nation to see, he had a few more words to solidify the moment.
"I'm glad to see," he said. "No, I tell you, I enjoy conversion."
"Folks -- so folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right?" he continued. "They’re not to be -- all right. We’ve got unanimity."
Biden continued with prepared remarks but added a few words as he appeared to be enjoying the moment.
"So tonight, let’s all agree -- and we apparently are -- let’s stand up for seniors," he said. "Stand up and show them we will not cut Social Security. We will not cut Medicare. Those benefits belong to the American people. They earned it."
"And if anyone tries to cut Social Security, which apparently no one’s going to do, and if anyone tries to cut Medicare, I’ll stop them," he said. "I’ll veto it. And look, I’m not going to allow them to take away -- be taken away. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. But apparently it’s not going to be a problem."
"Let’s sit down together and discuss our mutual plans together. Let’s do that. I can tell you the plan I’m going to show you is going to cut the deficit by another $2 trillion," he said.
"And I won’t cut a single bit of Medicare or Social Security."
