On March 7, President Joe Biden delivered his third State of the Union address, highlighting key national issues amid heightened public focus on the economy, immigration, and conflicts abroad. A Pew Research Center survey indicated 73% of Americans prioritize economic strengthening, with concerns largely tied to rising costs of food and housing. Partisan divides persist, with 63% of Democrats and 84% of Republicans deeming economic improvement essential.
Immigration is a heightened concern, especially among Republicans, with 76% identifying it as a top priority. The recent increase in migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border has underscored this issue, with 80% of Americans critiquing federal handling of the situation. Policy suggestions such as increasing asylum processing staff and legal immigration opportunities have garnered public support.
Regarding terrorism and crime, 63% and 58% of Americans respectively see these as significant policy goals, with Republicans expressing more concern than Democrats. Additionally, three-quarters of Americans consider foreign conflicts, including the wars in Israel and Hamas, China and Taiwan, and Russia and Ukraine, important to U.S. interests, reflecting bipartisan accord on most issues except for support of Ukraine.
Limiting the influence of money in politics is another priority, with 62% of Americans supporting campaign spending limits. Climate policy, however, remains divisive; 63% of Democrats versus 23% of Republicans prioritize environmental protection.
The ongoing political landscape sees Biden targeting moderate Republicans and independents, seeking to court voters disillusioned with Trump's leadership. Recent polling post-Trump's conviction for falsifying business records shows fluctuating support among undecided voters, potentially influencing the tight rematch between Biden and Trump in key battleground states.