Which individuals were present at the State of the Union? These are some noteworthy attendees for Biden’s 2024 speech.
first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday,
outlining his vision for the country and calling on lawmakers
to take action on key issues facing the nation.
President Biden gave his inaugural speech to a combined session of the United States Congress on Wednesday, laying out his plans for the nation and urging legislators to take action on critical matters facing the country.State of the Union address
On Thursday, during an address to Congress, there was an opportunity to outline the initial steps of the highly-anticipated rematch between current and former Presidents. The attendance of various guests at the event highlighted the major priorities and divides within the two political parties.
“In light of the upcoming election in November, our guests shed light on a range of topics, including reproductive rights, immigration, and the relationships with Russia and Israel, that leaders have been focusing on.”
On Thursday, some notable guests, accompanied by the first lady Jill Biden, were present in the House gallery at the White House. These included patients who have undergone IVF, activists fighting for gun control, advocates for civil rights, and individuals who have received assistance with their student loan debt.
Kate Cox, a Texas woman who made headlines for speaking out after being denied an abortion in the state, was also on the list, as was Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers union, who recently endorsed Mr. Biden. And Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, which recently cleared the last hurdle to join NATO
It is anticipated that will be in attendance at the White House per their invitation.
Win McNamee / Getty Images
“The White House has invited each of these people because they exemplify specific issues or themes that the President will discuss in his speech, or because they represent the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration in action for the benefit of the American people,” stated the White House.
The White House issued a statement stating that each of these individuals was personally invited to attend in order to embody issues or themes that the President will cover in his speech, or to exemplify the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration in action for the good of the American people.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, will not attend
A spokesperson for the White House verified to CBS News that Yulia Navalnaya, the spouse of the deceased Russian advocate Alexei Navalny, will not be present. recently returned to Russia after recovering from a nerve agent poisoning that he blames on the Russian government.
Alexey Navalny, a leader in the Russian opposition, has now come back to Russia following his recuperation from a nerve agent attack that he has attributed to the Russian government.
I was extended an invitation, but unfortunately could not attend.
Speaker Mike Johnson
Johnson, the current speaker since October, will be sitting behind President Biden during his address on Thursday. He has been emphasizing the country’s “decline” under Biden’s leadership leading up to the speech. Johnson will be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Johnson’s guest list included family members of service members killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and relatives of individuals believed to be taken hostage by Hamas. He also invited guests meant to highlight administration’s immigration policies, and an advocate against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich
The individual, who has been held in custody in Russia since March 2023, will also be present.
“The statement from Johnson stated that there will be a significant divide between the portrayal of America that President Biden will try to depict tonight and the current issues our country is dealing with. Johnson also emphasized that, despite the decline of America’s state of the union, these individuals serve as a reminder of the country’s greatness, even during difficult times.”
Sara Cook was one of the contributors to this report.
Kaia Hubbard
Source: cbsnews.com