LIVE: Biden delivers State of the Union address

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Urging voters to reject “resentment, revenge and retribution,” President Joe Biden used his State of the Union address Thursday to make his case for a second term to a dispirited electorate and to warn that GOP front-runner Donald Trump would be a dangerous alternative.

It wasn’t a normal State of the Union address, however. His speech from the House rostrum, delivered just eight months before Biden stands for reelection, was something of an on-the-job interview for the nation’s oldest president as he tries to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance while sharpening the contrast with his all-but-certain November rival. Raising his voice, he delivered a broadside against his predecessor for not standing by American allies abroad and for embracing antidemocratic ideas in the U.S.

Biden began his speech by vowing to continue opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and toward revisionism around the January 6 insurrection, which Biden warned, “History is watching” how the U.S. responds to these issues.

“You can’t love your country only when you win,” Biden said. He said he faults the GOP with trying to “bury the truth” about Jan. 6, saying that the “threat to democracy” must be countered.

The president also came out swinging with a strong message toward the GOP and those who “celebrate” the overturning of Roe v. Wade, saying that the popularity of Roe v. Wade has been proven in Democrat-winning elections since then and will be proven in 2024.

“Women are not without electoral or political power,” Biden said. “You are about to realize just how much. Those bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade are about to find out.”

On Thursday night, the president was greeted by the new leader of the House, Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been a major critic of the Biden administration, especially the economy.

In that vein, the president showcased his accomplishments on infrastructure and manufacturing, and pushed Congress to approve more aid to Ukraine, tougher migration rules and lower drug prices. He also sought to remind voters of the situation he inherited when he entered office in 2021 amid a raging pandemic and a contracting economy.

Taking a victory lap in selling his legislative accomplishments, such as one that bolsters manufacturing of computer chips nationwide, Biden veered from his prepared script to take a dig at Republicans who voted against such policies but are eager to take credit for them back home.

“If any of you don’t want that money in your districts,” Biden said, “just let me know.”

Alabama Senator Katie Britt will give the official Republican response later Thursday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.