Republicans chose one of their youngest senators, Katie Britt of Alabama, to deliver the party’s scathing response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address – and deliver she did, using her 15 minutes on the national stage to energetically call Biden a “dithering and diminished” leader while stoking fears about his policies on immigration and criticizing his handling of the economy, justice and foreign affairs.
“He is making us a punchline on the world stage,” said Britt, who delivered her pre-recorded address from what looked like a home kitchen.
“The country we know and love seems to be slipping away,” the 42-year-old mother of two said. “It feels like the next generation will have fewer opportunities – and less freedom – than we did. I worry my own children may not even get a shot at living their American Dreams.”
In an unusual move, three prominent Republicans issued what some called “pre-buttals” ahead of Biden’s address.
“In just three years, President Biden’s policies have rapidly accelerated American decline on every issue from the economy to national security and foreign policy,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday morning.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke from the Senate floor and criticized Biden’s foreign policy, economic decisions, and “left-wing” positions.
“I’ll be glad for the nation to hear directly from the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the Senate and one of our conference’s brightest stars,” he said.
And Biden’s top challenger, Donald Trump, described his opponent as “feeble” and said “It’s time to tell Crooked Joe Biden, “YOU’RE FIRED.”
Foreign policy
Britt slammed Biden’s foreign policy record, citing actions like the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and the administration’s failed attempt to resurrect a nuclear arms control agreement with Iran.
“This president has demonstrated that America’s word doesn’t mean what it used to,” she said.
She was among the 29 senators who voted against Biden’s supplemental request for more aid for Ukraine and Israel, although she has previously expressed strong support for Israel.
On immigration, Britt blamed Biden for the challenges posed by the current numbers of migrants at the southern U.S. border, calling the situation “despicable” and “almost entirely preventable.”
She cited the recent killing of a 22-year-old Georgia woman, Laken Riley. A Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally and then released on parole is charged with her killing.
“Mr. President, enough is enough,” Britt said. “Innocent Americans are dying and you only have yourself to blame.”
Economy
She was also scathing on Biden’s economic record.
“Hardworking families are struggling to make ends meet today. And with soaring mortgage rates and sky-high child care costs, they’re also struggling to plan for tomorrow. The American people are scraping by while the president proudly proclaims Bidenomics is working!
“Goodness, y’all,” she said, before uttering three words, that, in the American South, mean precisely the opposite sentiment: “Bless his heart.”
Reproductive rights
Britt’s address comes shortly after Alabama’s top court ruled that frozen embryos are children. The ruling raised concerns over the legality of treatments like in vitro fertilization in the state.
She did not address the wider issue of abortion access but spoke against the Alabama court ruling.
“We want families to grow,” she said. “It’s why we strongly support continued nationwide access to in vitro fertilization.”
‘Dithering and diminished’
And Britt – whose 2022 campaign slogan was “Alabama First” – also took aim at Biden’s age.
“The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader,” she said.
The reaction to Britt’s response on social media mostly centered on criticisms of her spirited delivery, with many on X, formally known as Twitter, suggesting that her performance was over-the-top.
Michael Steele, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee who has since been critical of the party, tweeted:
“Well, that Katie Britt experience was … experiential.”