Photos: Biden pitches optimism to skeptical Americans in State of the Union address

Times Photography Staff
·2 min read
US President Joe Biden gestures while speaking during a State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Biden is speaking against the backdrop of renewed tensions with China and a brewing showdown with House Republicans over raising the federal debt ceiling. Photographer: Jacquelyn Martin/AP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Biden delivers the State of the Union address Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol. (Bloomberg)
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In a State of the Union address that began as a bipartisan appeal, President Biden appeared combative and feisty at times as he sparred with Republicans over his legislative record, the federal deficit and border security.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) at one point tried 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.”

A motorcade carrying President Joe Biden drives to the Capitol building for his first State of the Union address
A motorcade carrying Biden drives to the Capitol for his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)
President Joe Biden arrives to deliver his State of the Union address at a joint meeting of Congress
Biden arrives at the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)
Rodney Wells, left and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols, with Brandon Tsay, hero of the Monterey, Calif., shooting
From left, Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols; Brandon Tsay, hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting; and U2 frontman Bono. (Jim Watson / AFP )
Paul Pelosi, husband of Representative Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, center right, is recognized
Paul Pelosi, husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, is recognized during the address. (Nathan Howard / Bloomberg)
President Joe Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol
The president addresses Congress. (Shawn Thew / Pool Photo)
Biden was feisty at times.
Biden was feisty at times. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)
People at the State of the Union address
Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the gunman responsible for the mass shooting in Monterey Park, gets a round of applause. (Sarah Silbiger / Bloomberg)
Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York, center, ahead of a State of the Union address at the US Capitol.
Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) is amused. (Bloomberg )
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) gives a thumb down as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is displeased. (Jim Watson / AFP )
First Lady Jill Biden greets supporters.
First Lady Jill Biden greets supporters. (Nathan Howard / Bloomberg )
U.S. Supreme Court Justices are shown.
From left, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Elena Kagan, Brett M. Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)
Biden mingles with members of Congress.
Biden mingles with members of Congress. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.