Biden shifts to the political centre, as Putin's aggression gives him a lift

Most US presidents tend to win a few political points following a State of the Union (SOTU) address. But with few exceptions, particularly during international crises, the national televised event has rarely provided a White House occupant with a long-term boost.

President Joe Biden's SOTU speech on Tuesday (Mar 1) may end up being one of those few exceptions. Taking place against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it provided an opportunity for the president to rally Americans behind him as he tried to unite the nation and the world against Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression.

It may be too early to know whether his combative SOTU address would be recalled as the night in which President Biden started to renew his ailing presidency and regain electoral momentum.