President Joe Biden is set to deliver a pivotal State of the Union address on Thursday evening, with a diverse group of guests, including an Alabama woman seeking in vitro fertilization, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain. The speech is expected to be a significant platform for Biden before the general election, with the focus on his reelection campaign, policy achievements, and the stakes in the upcoming November elections.
The guest list for first lady Dr. Jill Biden’s box provides a glimpse into the key issues the president will address, as he uses personal narratives to highlight critical challenges facing Americans. The White House invited these individuals because they “personify issues or themes to be addressed by the president in his speech, or they embody the Biden-Harris Administration’s policies at work for the American people,” according to a statement from her office.
Key Guests and Themes
Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health
President Biden is expected to emphasize the importance of protecting reproductive rights, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. He will highlight personal stories of those affected by various laws across the country, with abortion being a central theme in his campaign to appeal to moderate voters, especially women. Guests include Kate Cox, a Texas mother who fought a legal battle after being denied an abortion for a high-risk pregnancy, and Latorya Beasley, an Alabama woman whose embryo transfer was abruptly canceled due to a recent Alabama Supreme Court decision. Journalist and women’s health advocate Maria Shriver will also be present.
Student Loan Debt Forgiveness
Despite the Supreme Court rejecting his student loan forgiveness program, Biden continues to seek ways to alleviate the burden on borrowers. Keenan Jones, a public middle school teacher who benefited from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, will be present as Biden highlights his efforts to enhance debt relief.
International Crises
Biden is likely to address multiple international crises, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shelby Nikitin, a US Navy officer who led the USS Thomas Hudner in the Red Sea amidst attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, will be present. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will also be in attendance, marking Sweden’s formal entry as the 32nd NATO ally.
Fentanyl Crisis and Drug Policy
Biden’s actions to combat the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl will be highlighted, with Justin Phillips, founder and CEO of Overdose Lifeline, as a guest. Phillips, who lost her son to a drug overdose, advocates for expanding access to overdose prevention medications.
Healthcare and Prescription Drug Prices
Biden’s efforts to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and reduce prescription drug prices will be underscored, with Steven Hadfield, a North Carolinian who benefited from Medicare drug price negotiations, as a guest.
Infrastructure and Union Support
Biden will tout his legislative accomplishments in infrastructure, semiconductor production, and climate, healthcare, and tax packages. Union leaders, including UAW President Shawn Fain, will be present to emphasize Biden’s pro-union stance.
Gun Violence
With 70 mass shootings in the US this year, Biden is expected to highlight his executive actions on gun violence prevention and call on Congress to do more. Jazmin Cazares, whose sister was killed in a school shooting, will be present.
Military and Veterans’ Support
Biden will champion the country’s military and military families, with Tiffany Zoeller, a military spouse, as a guest. Zoeller introduced the president at Fort Liberty as he announced an executive order aimed at supporting military spouse career stability and employment resources.
Civil Rights and Cancer Research
The State of the Union address coincides with the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a critical moment for the civil rights movement. Civil rights advocate Bettie Mae Fikes will be present. Additionally, Biden’s commitment to finding cures for cancer will be highlighted, with oncology nurse Kris Blackley as a guest.
First Responders
Biden is also expected to honor first responders, with Kameryn Pupunu, a Maui police officer who performed heroic acts during catastrophic wildfires, as a guest.
Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Kevin Liptak, Katie Lobosco, DJ Judd, and Sam Fossum.