Los Angeles Times

Analysis: Why Biden's big speech may boost his reelection prospects

Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy greet President Biden, whose speech included nonpartisan proposals that even the Republican leader appeared to support.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden faces three big problems heading into a reelection campaign he's expected to announce soon. His State of the Union speech aimed to help on two — and judging from early reaction, he may have succeeded.

Problem one: Even in his own party, a significant number of voters don't believe Biden has accomplished very much.

Second, across the board, voters worry about the health and stamina of the 80-year-old president, the oldest to hold the office.

A third problem has no achievable solution: In today's highly partisan times, nearly half of the country won't favor the incumbent almost regardless of what he does. Over the last six presidential elections, only one — President Barack Obama's

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