Republicans chose one of their youngest senators, Alabama’s Katie Britt, to deliver a scathing party response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, and she did did, using her 15 minutes on the national stage to vigorously call Biden a “vacant, undecided person.” weakening” the leader’s standing while raising concerns about his immigration policies and criticizing his handling of the economy, justice and foreign affairs.

“He made us the laughing stock of the world stage,” said Britt, who delivered a prerecorded speech in what appeared to be a home kitchen.

“The country we know and love seems to be disappearing,” said the 42-year-old mother of two. “It feels like the next generation will have less opportunity and less freedom than we did. I worry that my own children may not even have a chance to realize their American dream.”

In an unusual move, three prominent Republicans delivered some so-called “rehearsal speeches” ahead of Biden’s remarks.

“In just three years, President Biden’s policies have rapidly accelerated America’s decline on issues ranging from the economy to national security and foreign policy,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday morning.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing Biden’s foreign policy, economic decisions and “left-wing” positions.

“I’m excited that the nation can hear directly from the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the Senate and one of our conference’s brightest stars,” he said.

Biden’s top challenger, Donald Trump, described his opponent as “weak” and said “it’s time to tell Crooked Joe Biden, ‘You’re fired.’”

foreign policy

Britt lashed out at Biden’s foreign policy record, citing actions such as a chaotic troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and the administration’s failed attempt to restart a nuclear arms control deal with Iran.

“This president has proven that America does what it preaches,” she said.

She was one of 29 senators who voted against Biden’s supplemental request for more aid to Ukraine and Israel, even though she has previously expressed strong support for Israel.

On immigration, Britt blamed Biden for the challenges posed by the current flow of migrants at the U.S. southern border, calling the situation “despicable” and “almost entirely preventable.”

She cited the recent killing of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia woman. A Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally and was released on parole has been charged with murder.

“Mr. President, enough is enough,” Britt said. “Innocent Americans are dying and you have no one to blame but yourself.”

economy

She also harshly criticized Biden’s economic record.

“Today, hard-working families are struggling to make ends meet. With mortgage rates soaring and child care costs high, they are also trying to plan for tomorrow. The American people are struggling to get by, while the President proudly declares Biden Economics is working!

“Oh my God, y’all,” she said, before uttering three words that in the American South mean the exact opposite sentiment: “Bless his heart.”

reproductive rights

Britt spoke shortly after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children. The ruling raises concerns about the legality of treatments such as in vitro fertilization in the state.

She did not discuss the broader issue of abortion but opposed the Alabama court’s ruling.

“We want families to grow,” she said. “That’s why we strongly support continued provision of IVF across the country.”

“Dither and reduce”

Britt, whose 2022 campaign slogan is “Alabama First,” also takes aim at Biden’s age.

“The free world deserves better than an indecisive and diminished leader,” she said.

Much of the reaction to Britt’s response on social media focused on criticism of her energetic speech, with many taking to X (formally known as Twitter) to suggest that her performance was a bit over the top.

Former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, who has since become critical of the party, wrote on Twitter:

“Well, Katie Britt’s experience was… experiential.”