President Joe Biden used his State of the Union address on Thursday to launch a series of fiery attacks against former President Donald Trump, a competitor whom he did not mention by name but made clear was a dire threat to American democracy and stability in the world.

In a televised speech to a joint session of Congress that was in many ways a political argument for his reelection, Biden brought the energy his allies and aides had hoped he would display.

“Not since President Lincoln and the Civil War have freedom and democracy been under assault at home as they are today,” Biden said. “What makes our moment rare is the freedom of democracy, under attack both at home and overseas.”

President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March 7, 2024. Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Biden’s speech had to accomplish several goals, including taking credit for an economy that has outperformed expectations but whose effects many Americans say they cannot feel.

He also engaged in a back-and-forth with congressional Republicans, picking up a button circulated by Republicans that called for people to say the name of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was killed in February. Authorities have charged a Venezuelan migrant, who crossed into the United States illegally.

Biden said Riley’s name, then added: “To her parents, I say, my heart goes out to you. Having lost children myself, I understand,” he said at one point, going off script by describing the accused as “an illegal.” The comment drew criticism from immigrant advocates who see the term as dehumanising.

Steve Nikoui, center, the father of a U.S. Marine who was killed in 2021 during the evacuation of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, interrupts President Joe Biden's State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March 7, 2024. Doug Mills/The New York Times

Biden assailed Trump for his soft treatment of President Vladimir Putin of Russia. “We will not bow down,” Biden said. “I will not bow down.”

Trump responded to many of Biden’s points on his social media site, Truth Social. “Putin only invaded Ukraine, because he has no respect for Biden,” he posted.

Biden also tried to quell dissatisfaction over his handling of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Earlier Thursday, the Biden administration said the United States would build a temporary seaport off Gaza to assist with the delivery of humanitarian aid.

President Joe Biden gestures as he delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March 7, 2024. Doug Mills/The New York Times

“Israel also has a fundamental responsibility, though, to protect innocent civilians in Gaza,” Biden said, adding that the Israeli-Hamas conflict would not end without a two-state solution.

During his address, Biden focused extensively on reproductive rights. He promised to restore Roe v. Wade’s protections — something that will be difficult to do without a sizable majority in Congress.

Within his economic message were hints about what Biden would do with a second term, including an effort to increase corporate taxes to at least 21% so, he said, “every big corporation finally begins to pay their fair share.”

President Joe Biden greets attendees after delivering the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March 7, 2024. Doug Mills/The New York Times

The Biden administration announced a plan Thursday to lower housing costs for working families, and he explained how his economic policies had benefited families. “It doesn’t make the news, but in thousands of cities and towns the American people are writing the greatest comeback story never told,” Biden said.

Republicans chose Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama to deliver their response to Biden’s address. “The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader,” Britt said.

The New York Times News Service