Biden touts accomplishments in feisty state of the union, as he bids for 2nd White House term

President Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his state of the union speech Thursday night, lacing into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing "resentment, revenge and retribution" and for jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad.

Revelling in the political moment, Biden fired multiple broadsides at "my predecessor" without ever mentioning Trump by name —13 times in all — raising his voice repeatedly as he worked to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance while sharpening the contrast with his all-but-certain November rival.

The scrappy tone from Biden was a sharp break from his often humdrum daily appearances and was designed to banish doubts about whether the 81-year-old president — the country's oldest ever — is still up to the job.

For 68 minutes in the House chamber, Biden goaded Republicans over their policies, invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats on economic issues, taxes and health care and seemed to revel in the fight.

"Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time," Biden said as he appealed for Congress to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia's invasion. "History is watching."

Biden quickly pivoted to the threats at home, referencing the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol by Trump supporters seeking to overturn the 2020 election, and calling for the threat to democracy to be countered.

"My predecessor — and some of you here — seek to bury the truth about Jan. 6," Biden said. "I will not do that.

"This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here's a simple truth. You can't love your country only when you win.

"My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy," Biden added.

"A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbour. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge and retribution. That's not me."

The president showcased his accomplishments on infrastructure and manufacturing, and pushed Congress to approve tougher migration rules and lower drug prices. He also sought to remind voters of the situation he inherited when he entered office in 2021 amid a raging pandemic and a contracting economy.

The president was being closely watched not just for his message, but for whether he could deliver it with vigour and command.

White House aides said Biden was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on access to abortion, but also tax policy and health care.

It's part of his campaign-year effort to use even official speeches to clarify the choice for voters at the ballot box this fall.