Getty ImagesThe StoryLast night, President Biden gave his first State of the Union address. How’s that going?US democracy? Good question. This was the first SOTU address since the Jan 6 Capitol riot. And with democracy under attack abroad, it’s worth not taking ours for granted. Here’s what Biden had to say about… Ukraine…Biden kicked off his speech calling out Russian President Vladimir Putin — earning a standing ovation from both parties. He praised Ukrainians for “their fearlessness, their courage.” He also took cues from at least two dozen countries and is closing US airspace to Russian planes. Now, he’s coming for the oligarchs. And while sanctions are directed at Russia, the US and allies are releasing 60 million barrels of oil from reserves. The goal: to help protect... The economy…Biden loves a good comeback, shouting out the highest growth rate in nearly 40 years. But guess what’s also the highest in 40 years? Inflation. With wallets hurting, Biden says he wants to see more “Made in America” stickers. He also wants a higher minimum wage and reduced child care costs, nodding to the millions of women who left the workforce during the pandemic. The pandemic…Severe cases are back to summer 2021 levels. And the CDCsays many Americans can go mask-free. New variants could come. But vaccines, antivirals, and tests are helping.Speaking of, free refills on tests next week. Other talkers…46 wants to reduce health care costs, end cancer, and preserve women’s right to choose. He’s tired of gun manufacturers avoiding lawsuits. And made it clear he wants “to fund the police.” Other big takeaways: $15 minimum wage is in. Social media companies are out. What didn’t get a mention: dropped campaign promises like wiping out $10,000 in federal student loans. What was the reaction?Love from some Dems...but not all. In the GOP rebuttal, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) criticized Biden for his handling of things like inflation, foreign policy, and COVID-19 mandatessaying he “sent us back in time.” Meanwhile, as Biden was discussing veterans during his speech, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) was heard yelling “13” — in reference to the 13 US service members who died during the Afghanistan withdrawal. theSkimmBiden described the state of the union this year as strong because “the American people are strong.” But the speech came amid a war over democracy in Europe, rampant inflation, and an ongoing pandemic. Whether voters agree on Biden’s assessment will be up for a vote in November. | 