"We are all nervous," said one House Democrat, citing concerns about the 81-year-old Biden's "ability to speak without blowing things."
Another House Democrat said: "Listen, Trump has made rhetorical slips … Biden is going to make rhetoric slips, I think the key is his energy level."
Former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told Axios he expects a strong performance: "It's important that it be good."
"There's no doubt that he has the vigor [for a second term], but that's being questioned," said Hoyer.
"He's quick, and he needs to show that."
"Of the various speeches speeches a president gives, the State of the Union in an election year is a big one," said Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.).
Longtime Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik — who regularly publishes analyses of the 2024 campaign — told Axios: "Given concerns about Biden's age, his delivery will be as important as his substance."
Many Democrats pointed to Biden's verbal sparring with right-winger hecklers at last year's State of the Union as a reason to have faith in his rhetorical abilities.
"He owned the Republicans when they tried to heckle him," said Rep.
Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, predicting Biden will do an "outstanding job."
.Here are the top political news stories for today.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
How much should a leader's age and speaking ability impact your confidence in their leadership?
@9KNQV2Q2yrs2Y
Very much. Age affects how you think and perceive things, which is important for a leader. Speaking is also important for connecting with other countries (or having conflicts with other countries) and it affects what people will expect from you in the future.
@9KNP4FX2yrs2Y
/my opinion is that if you are at an age were you forget where you are going thing you should not be president
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@WigeonMattTranshumanist2yrs2Y
I wonder how many people are going to watch it just to spot his gaffes?
@MajesticDebat3Veteran2yrs2Y
That's why I'm going to watch, but I will have to hear lies , like gas price down, inflation is down, economy is going great, immigration is the fault on the Republicans ..even that he flew in several thousand illegals..just hope his teleprompter goes out..
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
In public they tell us Biden is fit to be president. In private they know he's not. What an insult to every American.
@LobbyTurtleConstitution2yrs2Y
Now that explains why two intermissions have been announced! It's a disgrace what has become of America.
Stay strong and never give up because we will win in the end! 1-5-2025 we take back America! God bless you Steve for your steadfast quest to save America!
@ZestfulRightsDemocrat2yrs2Y
Joe always had gaffs. He’ll do just fine. Pay more attention to what he says than being a critic of how he says it.
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