On today’s NOTICE News: President Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to a divided Congress. We have highlights from the speech. Plus: a 9-year-old just graduated high school with hopes to become an astrophysicist. Here’s a transcript of today’s show.
Discussion Questions
- In terms of Biden’s presidency, how was this State of the Union address different from his first one a year ago?
- According to President Biden, “Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for the sake of power, conflict for the sake of conflict,” leads to what?
- Why will President Biden need bipartisan support from Republicans to pass anything?
- What evidence was there during the address that there is definitely dissent or strong disagreement within Congress?
- How did the Republican Governor of Arkansas characterize or describe Democrats in the official response to the State of the Union address?
- Why did the State of the Union make it seem like the next election campaign has already begun, even though it’s over 600 days away?
Writing Prompts
- In terms of the Constitution, the State of the Union is required to be an update to Congress, but in the 1800s, it was a lengthy document rather than the live, televised address that it is today. Some believe that having it live and televised, while a tradition now, is not necessary. What are some reasons in favor of having a live address? What are some reasons that would support it not being necessary, and more of a distraction? Which do you think is a more ideal way to approach the State of the Union?
- It is typical for the two parties to go between standing with applause and sitting in disagreement with what the President is saying during the State of the Union. However, in recent years, it has become more and more common for there to be verbal outbursts from attendees in the audience, regardless of their position. Do you think that sort of display is helpful or harmful to the event? In what ways might it be helpful or harmful, or who could it affect?
- Nine year-old David Balogun was able to graduate from his online charter school so young because his course-load could be adjusted according to his abilities. Describe some benefits and drawbacks there could be to graduating from high school so early. Should one’s academic ability be what paces or dictates how much time it takes them to move through their schooling, or are there non-academic factors that should be taken into account when considering when one can be done with the K-12 journey?
Further Reading
- The big story: Three takeaways from Biden’s State of the Union speech (Reuters)
- The Republican response: Arkansas Gov. Sanders slams Biden for ‘woke fantasies’ (Reuters)
- Here’s the official transcript of the address – excluding the heckling – direct from the White House
- And in case you missed it yesterday: The State of the Union address’s history, explained (Vox)
- What’s the rush? Pennsylvania boy, nine, becomes one of the youngest ever high school graduates (The Guardian)