In State of the Union speech, a feisty Biden battles hecklers and calls for bipartisanship
WASHINGTON — A feisty and occasionally combative President Biden sparred with Republicans over his legislative record, the federal deficit and border security in a State of the Union address that began as an appeal for bipartisanship.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., at one point appeared to try to quiet hecklers who shouted as the president called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and help him address border security.
Biden, who spoke for roughly an hour, sought to reassure Americans that he has repaired the economic damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. He reminded his critics that he has repeatedly defied predictions that he would be unable to work across the aisle.
"I don't want to ruin your reputation," Biden quipped to McCarthy early in his speech, "but I look forward to working with you."
The president has yet to announce whether he's officially running for reelection, but aides say he'll make a decision in
