We asked 10 Times columnists and contributors to watch the State of the Union address on Thursday and rate President Biden’s performance. (A rating of one meant that the night was a disaster, 10 that it was a triumph.) Most were impressed. Some were a bit surprised. “Where has this Joe Biden been hiding these past three years?” Bret Stephens asked. Michelle Goldberg wrote, “What an unexpectedly rousing speech!”
We also wanted to know what our readers thought, so we asked you to rate the speech and share what you thought were the best and worst moments. More than 1,000 of you wrote back. Here are a selection of your responses, edited for length and clarity:
Rating Biden’s speech
10: I found myself clapping alone in my living room and thinking, “Give ’em hell, Joe.” The Republicans needed a smack down. And his staring down the Supreme Court justices while quoting Samuel Alito? Women will show up and vote in record numbers. — Marguerite Dee, 72, Tampa, Fla.
6: Was it feisty or angry? While I support most of President Biden’s positions, the delivery came across as an old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn. I wanted more calm and confidence to reinforce he is still up to the job. — Mike Wade, 67, Berlin, Md.
10: Biden was spot on. With our reproductive and voting rights at stake, health care and the middle class being threatened with dissolution, what a comfort to see our president at his pugilistic best defending the very essence of America, and leaning forward to consolingly whisper, “I won’t let them.” — Brandi Lynn Ryder, 51, Sonora, Calif.
2: He’s out of touch with younger voters like me. We don’t want the A.C.A., we want universal health care. He talks about walls of the past — what about walls he supports today? He kept repeating “history is watching.” He’s not wrong. — Daphna Thier, 36, Brooklyn
Best moments
I loved how Biden tried to turn the debate over his age into a positive, as Ronald Reagan did in 1984. He proved with historical references and ability to work his audience that experience matters. He must continue to emphasize his wisdom as the biggest contrast between him and his predecessor. — John Mawicke, 22, Kenilworth, Ill.
His historic public shaming of the Supreme Court. No longer can they sit untouched in their black robes after decimating reproductive freedom for American women. They’ve lost their right to simply be honored guests. — Rhonda Curry, 62, Miami
He delivered the message on Ukraine very well and the need to keep America engaged and not to retreat into isolationism. America’s interests and the world’s interests rely on America’s strong leadership abroad. — Jeffrey Pasko, 60, Barrie, Ontario
When he talked about finding out about the power of women. He made me feel powerful. — Jane Hall, 81, New Braunfels, Texas
Worst moments
Biden’s messaging on Israel. It’s a tightrope, but his responses felt mealy-mouthed. He should have justified aid to Israel while also criticizing Israeli leadership fiercely, especially Benjamin Netanyahu. He should have clarified that all aid to any country is conditional upon its just and measured actions. — Timothy Wolf, 35, Dayton, Ohio
His rambling description of the border bill. He should have set the blame more clearly on Donald Trump and the Republicans. — Karl Kjer, 64, Garden Valley, Idaho
Calling a migrant an “illegal” after flubbing Laken Riley’s name. I appreciated him recognizing her and meeting Marjorie Taylor Greene’s challenge. But the use of the word “illegal” will draw ire from his more liberal base and represents antiquated opinions and perspectives about one’s life and worth. He missed the mark on this. — Josh O’Dowd, 31, Atlanta
Seeing George Santos exercise his lifetime rights to the floor of Congress. That is a red flag moment that something needs to be changed. — Nora Conaway, 76, Memphis
What else mattered
Seeing a woman who stood on the bridge in Selma on Bloody Sunday still having to, decades later, fight for the same rights was both heartbreaking and invigorating. My grandmother, Arlene, was a working mom when that happened and I know both women worked hard so that their past won’t be my future. — Arne Nelson, 28, Arlington, Va.
Biden had a brief moment telling transgender people he has our backs. That made me happy. — Krystle Wright, 40, Chicago
I loved the way he expressed his commitment to climate issues and ensuring that only American companies and products will be sourced for his initiatives. — Liesa Cole, 59, Birmingham, Ala.