Staff Reports
President Joe Biden delivered a marathon State of the Union speech on Tuesday that stretched out for a grueling hour and nine minutes, making it the second-longest address to Congress in his tenure so far. The extended duration of his speech has sparked discussion and speculation about Biden’s advanced age and mental fitness, which have been a subject of concern among many observers.
State of the Union 2024: Biden makes second-longest speech of his term https://t.co/ahaOG0NA6f via @dcexaminer
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Biden’s tendency to keep his speeches short and sweet has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding his memory lapses and cognitive faculties. The length of his remarks during the State of the Union, delivered largely from a teleprompter, was closely scrutinized as he engaged in spirited exchanges with Republican lawmakers in the chamber, punctuated by a few embarrassing gaffes.
Historically, the length of annual speeches has been a matter of wide-ranging fluctuation. President Richard Nixon’s 1972 address lasted less than 29 minutes, while Bill Clinton’s speeches in 1995 and 2000 went on for nearly an hour and a half. In comparison, Barack Obama adhered to around one hour for his addresses, whereas former President Donald Trump, known for his lengthy and engaging speeches, varied anywhere from one hour to an hour and 22 minutes.
Biden’s latest State of the Union address clocked in as one of the most protracted speeches of his presidency, surpassing the one-hour mark and lasting a grueling 73 minutes. As he endeavors to secure a crucial re-election later this year, he is undoubtedly banking on the impact of his lengthy address to Congress in bolstering his chances of earning the opportunity to deliver four more such addresses during his potential second term.
