GOP response to Biden address: Democrats ignore America's problems or 'make them worse'

Iowa GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday night put aside her usual Midwestern-nice demeanor to deliver an austere response to President Biden's State of the Union address, saying the U.S. has delivered a "weak" response to Russia's aggression toward Ukraine and criticizing the Biden administration's pandemic response.  

"We cannot project strength abroad if we're weak at home," she said, referring to the administration's approach to dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other issues abroad.

Reynolds was especially tough on pandemic policies from Biden and fellow Democrats who runs states, particularly policies that in some part of the country have kept children out of schools for over a year.

The governor, whose state is traditionally the first to ballot in presidential elections, also made clear parents' desire to retake control of their children's education. 

"They're tired of politicians who tell parents they should sit down, be silent," said Reynolds, also citing Critical Race Theory as an ideology that parents have fought to keep out of classrooms. 

"Parents matter," she said, repeating the message Republicans are trumpeting as balloting begins in the midterm elections. 

She also argued that Washington Democrats often ignore such kitchen table issues as schooling and now record inflation or "make them worse."

In anticipation of the GOP expected in November to win the House and perhaps the Senate, Reynolds said she and others in her party are focusing on issues that matter to voters.

"Republicans may not have the White House, but we're doing what we can to fill the leadership vacuum," she said.

Fellow Republicans and conservatives also were critical of Biden and his speech.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was immediately unimpressed with was he considered the president's lack of vigor. 

On substance, some commentators were unimpressed with the content of the president's delivery. 

"Joe Biden congratulating himself on Ukraine is like an arsonist patting himself on the back for attempting to put out a fire he started," said Carrie Sheffield, senior policy analyst for Independent Women's Voice. 

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts argued the Biden administration could have done more to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine and said the president's remarks on the economy didn't "match up with working Americans' lived experiences."

"Inflation is at a 40-year high," he said. "We are paying historic prices at the pump and at the grocery store. Wages are not keeping pace with inflation. ... Our supply chains are in shambles. Joe Biden has done incalculable damage not just to the American economy but to the financial health of millions of Americans."

Political consultant Matt Whitlock was underwhelmed by the commander-in-chief attempting to rehash what he considered failed legislative efforts. 

Town Hall's Rebecca Downs heard the speech and anticipated the mood of the American people come the midterm this fall.