Missed It? 10 Major Takeaways from Biden’s SOTU

PC: Jabin Botsford,Pool/Getty Images

From his greatest bully pulpit, a fiery Mr. President defended democracy last night at his first official State of the Union address. Flanked by a stern-faced VP and an emotional Nancy P. (why is she still there?), and facing a chamber filled with clothing, flags, masks, and pins the colors of the Ukraine flag, Uncle Joe opened with a strong stance against Vladimir Putin before moving on to a flood of domestic agenda items meant to overwhelm any GOP talking points that he is (1) sleepy, (2) not doing anything, and (3) not fit for the job. It was an even and solid success with some glaring omissions.

Here are ten key takeaways, in case you missed it:

1. America is leading a strong alliance against Russia. Biden condemned the attack on Ukraine, welcomed the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, and pledged America’s support, saying, “We stand with you. Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he’ll never gain the hearts and souls of the Ukrainian people.” While the sanctions he outlined were forceful, he stands firm that we will not put boots on the ground or institute a no-fly zone — actions that would surely lead to World War III. He announced that Russian airplanes are now barred from U.S. airspace, but that was as far as he went. He was tough without committing the U.S. to war. Personally, while I stand with Biden, I am sure I am not the only one who…