While President Biden called for unity in his State of the Union address Tuesday, there was very little of it on display in the raucous chamber where he was heckled by several newly empowered House Republicans.

Biden’s speech was both a victory lap for his first two years and a pitch to voters on what he would do if he was reelected in 2024. Biden rattled off a number of bipartisan bills that he claimed had revived the economy and demonstrated the government can work in the public’s interest. He also urged a divided Congress to “finish it.”

Biden stated, “To my Republican friends,” that if they could work together in Congress last year, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to work together and reach consensus on important issues in Congress this year.” “I believe the people sent us a clear signal. We will not succeed if we fight for the sake and power for the sake, or conflict for the sake. That’s my vision of the country. I’m sure it’s yours.

He spoke out about his efforts to improve the U.S. Economy early in the speech, noting that the January Jobs Report released last week showed that unemployment fell to 3.4 percent and that gasoline prices have fallen $1.50 per gallon since their peak.

He also praised the passage of bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act and bipartisan infrastructure law. This was a dig at Republicans who voted against it but celebrated the projects it funds.

Biden encouraged unity but also suggested to GOP lawmakers that some Republicans wanted the economy “hostage”, by cutting Social Security and Medicare. This created an unusually tense moment between the president of the GOP and Biden.

“Some Republicans — some Republicans want Social Security to sunset and Medicare to be paid more than the rich. Biden stated that he was not saying that it is the majority.

After those remarks, one Republican, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, shouted “liar!” at Biden. This drew boos and a flurry of boos from other Republicans. Kevin McCarthy (R.Calif.), shook his head after he sat beside Vice President Harris behind Biden for the first time in his role as Speaker of House.

Biden, amid jeering, said, “Anybody doubting it, contact me, I’ll send you a copy.

“If anyone attempts to reduce Social Security, I will stop them.” Biden stated that if anyone attempts to reduce Medicare, he will stop them. They cannot be taken away. Today. Tomorrow. Not ever.”

Biden responded to the boos and yells “no” or “liar” that erupted in this chamber with a thumbs-up, “so all of us can agree?” Social Security and Medicare have been canceled?

He added “Alright”, before Republicans and Democrats stood up to cheer.

There were also moments of sobering bipartisan applause during the address.

RowVaughn Wells, Tyre Nichols’ mother, applauded her son when he called Tyre by his name. His mother then told the president, “Thanks.”

And lawmakers applauded Brandon Tsay who disarmed a gunman at Monterey Park in Calif. last month, who had shot approximately a dozen people at a Lunar New Year party.

Both parties stood and acknowledged Oksana Markova, Ukraine’s ambassador, at the U.S. as Biden stressed support for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion.

Biden also sent a message directly to Chinese President Xi, just days after the U.S. military downed a suspected Chinese spy ball that was riveting the country.

Biden stated that the U.S. wants “competition, and not conflict.”

“But don’t make any mistake: China could threaten our sovereignty. We will protect our country, as we made clear last Wednesday. We did, and we gave a quick nod to Saturday’s suspected Chinese surveillance balloon.

Although the president emphasized bipartisanship on Tuesday’s speech, he also looked at a possible reelection. Biden attempted to contrast Republicans in key areas.

He credited only Democrats in his comments on the Inflation Reduction Act. This is the comprehensive climate, tax and drug prices bill that was passed only with Democratic support. He stated that “some members are threatening to repeal” the Inflation Reduction Act, but threatened to veto any legislation which would increase the price of prescription drugs.

He pointed out that some Republicans voted in opposition to the bipartisan infrastructure bill 2021 but still requested funding from the bill for projects in their respective districts.

“Don’t worry. I said that I would be the president for all Americans. Biden laughed, “We’ll finance your projects.” “And I’ll be there at the ground-breaking. This law will further unify America.

Although he painted a positive picture of the economy, the state of the nation and his speech was largely positive throughout the evening, he did admit that there was still much to be done.

Recent polls show that many Americans believe Biden has not done enough since he took office two years ago. Or, they think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Biden began to convince Americans the opposite on Tuesday.

Biden stated, “My fellow Americans. We meet tonight at an inflection moment.” “One of those moments that very few generations face. Where the decisions we make now will determine the course of this country and the world for many decades to come.”

He said, “As I stand tonight, I have never felt more optimistic about America’s future,” “We must remember who we are.”