Biden set to deliver State of the Union speech in HOURS as US election looms

Joe Biden will deliver his State of the Union speech in a matter of hours as the President starts his final push ahead of the election on November 5.

The 46th President is hoping to use the opportunity to highlight his successes and chart a path forward.

However, Biden’s third State of the Union speech will also be his first since he announced his re-election bid last year.

It will also enable the 81-year-old to stave off criticism from both Democrats and his Republican rivals.

Biden\u2019s third State of the Union speech will also be his first since he announced his re-election bid last year

The 46th President looks poised to face off against 2020 opponent Donald Trump later this year.

Recent opinion polls have shown the pair neck-and-neck in the race to the White House.

Real Clear Politics' average poll lead gives Trump a 2.8 per cent lead over Biden.

The 46th President is expected to address the importance of US democracy after Trump played a role in the January 6 insurrection.

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Former US President Donald Trump arrives to depart at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Biden will likely also reiterate his support for Ukraine and Israel.

A source close to the 46th President told Axios: “Everyone around him is well aware — well aware — of the need to jack this campaign up.”

Trump is pushing for Biden to debate him after ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley pulled out of the Republican Party primary race.

The 45th President also vowed to conduct a “rapid response” fact-checking operation during Biden’s State of the Union address, claiming: “[It was] important for the country to get the truth.”

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that tomorrow night we will be doing a LIVE, Play by Play, of Crooked Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address.

President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address during a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol

“I will correct, in rapid response, any and all inaccurate Statements, especially pertaining to the Border and his Weaponization of the DOJ, FBI, AGs, and District Attorneys, to go after his Political Opponent, ME (something never done before in this Country!)

“We did this once before to tremendous success - Beating All Records. It is important for the Country to get the TRUTH!”

He later added in a separate post: “It is important, for the Good of our Country, that Joe Biden and I Debate Issues that are so vital to America, and the American People.

“Therefore, I am calling for Debates, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE! The Debates can be run by the Corrupt DNC, or their Subsidiary, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).

“I look forward to receiving a response. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”