President Joe Biden gestures while speaking during a State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Bloomberg )
In a State of the Union address that began as a bipartisan appeal, President Biden appeared combative and feisty at times as he sparred with Republicans over his legislative record, the federal deficit and border security.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) at one point tried to quiet hecklers who shouted as the president called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and help him address border security.
Biden, who spoke for roughly an hour, sought to reassure Americans that he has repaired the economic damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. He reminded his critics that he has repeatedly defied predictions that he would be unable to work across the aisle.
"I don't want to ruin your reputation," Biden quipped to McCarthy early in his speech, "but I look forward to working with you."
A motorcade carrying President Joe Biden drives to the Capitol building for his first State of the Union address
President Joe Biden arrives to deliver his State of the Union address at a joint meeting of Congress
Rodney Wells, left and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols, with Brandon Tsay, hero of the Monterey, Calif.
Paul Pelosi, husband of Representative Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, center right, is recognized
President Joe Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol
President Joe Biden speaks during a State of the Union address.
People at the State of the Union address
Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York, center, ahead of a State of the Union address at the US Capitol.
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President Joe Biden speaks during a State of the Union address.
US First Lady Jill Biden, center, arrives to the State of the Union address.
U.S. Supreme Court Justices are shown.
President Joe Biden arrrives during the State of the Union address.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
