Headline RoundupMarch 13th, 2021

Perspectives: Biden's First Prime-time Address

Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Coronavirus, Coronavirus Recovery, Coronavirus Vaccine

Summary from the AllSides News Team

President Joe Biden gave his first prime-time address to the nation on Thursday night. In prepared remarks, Biden announced that the U.S. would have enough vaccine doses for all adults in America by the end of May, and that he is aiming to allow group gatherings by the Fourth of July. Biden also spoke about the importance of wearing a mask and "listening to the science" when making decisions about reopening businesses. Many drew comparisons between Biden's first primetime address, given 50 days into his presidency, and former President Donald Trump's first address, given in August 2017, seven months into his administration. Some voices from the left praised Biden's speech for advocating unity and science, and contrasted Biden's message and tone with Trump's pandemic approach. Many on the right criticized Biden's speech, saying his goals for reopening schools and businesses were too modest, and criticizing him for not crediting his predecessor for accelerating the COVID-19 vaccine development. Some said Biden mentioning issues like masks and science, which Trump was criticized for, was Biden's way of taking a "jab" at Trump without mentioning his name.

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From the Left

Biden leaves Trump's dystopia in the dust

CNN (Opinion)

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CNN (Opinion)

Opinion

If you were expecting President Joe Biden to take a victory lap, to boast about his remarkable achievements in just 50 days in office, it's understandable. After four years of the former president, many of us became accustomed to self-serving rhetoric. But Biden's first prime-time address Thursday night was something altogether different from that.
"I need you," Biden said, leaning into his lectern, "I need every American to do their part." He said that if everyone agrees to get the Covid-19 vaccine, if everyone wears a mask like the...

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From the Left

Takeaways from Biden's speech: Small gatherings by July 4, denouncing racist attacks and a contrast to Trump

USA TODAY

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USA TODAY

Analysis

All eyes were on President Joe Biden Thursday evening as he gave his first prime time address to the nation since taking office. Hours after signing a massive coronavirus relief bill into law, he commemorated the anniversary of the nation's shutdown over the pandemic.

The president urged Americans to be unified in battling the coronavirus and to continue to take precautions against its spread while the administration works to make vaccines more widely available. He struck a hopeful tone for the country's return to a semblance of normality while also...

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From the Right

Biden’s disappointing prime-time speech was a con job

New York Post (Opinion)

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New York Post (Opinion)

Opinion

Low as our expectations were, President Biden still disappointed with his speech Thursday night.

We’re supposed to hope that if all goes well, we can gather with a few others outdoors to celebrate Independence Day? Sorry, sir, we can do that now. And Americans by the tens if not hundreds of millions are.

And in Texas, Florida and other states, they’ll be packing stadiums by Memorial Day — with precautions, sure. But half the country’s done with extreme cautions.

Whether Biden knew it or not (and how would he?), the...

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