When President Joe Biden launched his campaign last year, he emphasized the importance of “Freedom.” As he prepares for his re-election speech, he plans to echo the sentiments of one of his iconic predecessors, Franklin Roosevelt. Biden’s focus on freedom and threats to democracy as central electoral issues has drawn both praise and criticism from allies. However, the president believes that the future of American democracy is at stake, and he is determined to make that clear in his upcoming address to Congress.
President Biden has taken inspiration from Franklin Roosevelt’s 1941 address to the 77th Congress where Roosevelt outlined the “Four Freedoms” – freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Biden, who prominently displays a painting of Roosevelt in the Oval Office, has redefined these freedoms for the 21st century. He believes that freedom itself is on the ballot, and he plans to address this in his speech to Congress.
President Biden’s advisers understand the importance of his speech in addressing concerns about his age and in connecting the administration’s economic agenda to improvements in voters’ lives. Biden will highlight the importance of the freedom to vote, the freedom of choice, the freedom to have a fair shot, and the freedom from fear in his address. These key themes will be woven throughout his speech to emphasize the significance of the upcoming election and the future of American democracy.
Recent events such as the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and the January 6th Capitol insurrection have highlighted threats to individual freedoms in America. Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized the importance of defending fundamental principles and expanding freedom in the face of these challenges. President Biden has warned against former President Donald Trump’s attempts to undermine fundamental freedoms and has urged Americans to stand up for democracy and freedom.
President Biden’s focus on freedom as a central theme of his campaign has resonated with Democratic supporters and has drawn criticism from Republicans. While Republicans like South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem have also highlighted their commitment to freedom in their speeches, Biden believes that freedom and democracy are closely intertwined. He views the defense of individual freedom as essential to preserving American democracy and believes that the threat of autocratic forces must be confronted head-on.
President Biden’s upcoming address to Congress will focus on the themes of freedom and democracy as central issues in the upcoming election. He will draw inspiration from Franklin Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech and will outline his vision for America in the 21st century. Biden is determined to defend individual freedoms against threats to democracy and is committed to ensuring that Americans have the freedom to vote, choose, succeed, and live without fear. His speech will serve as a call to action for all Americans to stand up for freedom and democracy in the face of growing challenges.