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President Joe Biden took a unique approach in preparing for his State of the Union address Thursday night by assembling a panel of Hollywood actors who have portrayed U.S. Presidents in movies and television.
In a video posted on his social media accounts, Biden sought advice and humorous insights from actors with on-screen presidential experience.
The star-studded panel included Morgan Freeman (President Tom Beck in the 1998 film Deep Impact), Tony Goldwyn (President Fitzgerald Grant III in the TV series Scandal), Geena Davis (President Mackenzie Allen in the TV series Commander in Chief), Michael Douglas (President Andrew Shepard in the 1995 film The American President), and Bill Pullman (President Thomas J. Whitmore in the 1996 film Independence Day).
He wrote the following on X, formerly Twitter:
"You may’ve heard I’ve got a big speech coming up. So, I thought I would hear from some folks who have done the job before – sort of."
While looking at the group over a video call, he asked:
“I’ve never spoken to so many presidents all at one time. Any advice you have for me in my delivering my speech?”
You can see the video below.
The actors shared lighthearted advice, making tongue-in-cheek references to the challenges they faced "when I was president."
Freeman joked about dealing with a meteor, referencing his role in Deep Impact, adding:
"Hope is the strongest thing we have in this country. It is the most useful and the most effective. My advice is just keep telling us how you’re working for us and building hope.”
Goldwyn humorously admitted to "behaving badly" in various situations, a nod to the nature of his character, and recommended that Biden remind people that "you exist for them," noting the importance of communicating to the American people that "they make you a better man.” He joked that Biden should wind down afterward with "popcorn and red wine."
Davis shared her fictional presidential experience, highlighting the constant crises her character faced while adding a touch of humor:
"I do feel I should just point out one thing. It always bears remembering [that] there's no crying in politics."
Douglas, whose character presided over a romantic drama in The American President, emphasized the importance of having a "loving partner" and suggested a dance for First Lady Jill Biden after the speech.
"Love and compassion as a leader are strengths. They're not weaknesses and are key to your character so let that shine through in your speech."
Pullman humorously stated that an alien invasion "tends to unify people," making his character's presidency relatively easy:
"We just had invaders from outer space coming to mess with us and that tends to unify people. I'm not so sure it was the greatest speech ever but I did manage to say two things."
"One is that we can't be consumed by our petty differences, and we will be united in our common interests. Somehow these words became something to remember."
"So I had the thought, Mr. President, that when people look at all that you've managed to do, they're going to remember, time will remember, always, the importance of your words when you say that thing: "There's nothing that we can't do when we do it together."
The video concluded with Biden thanking the actors and inviting them to come see him at the White House so he could "meet you all in person" because he's "never spoken to so many presidents at one time."
Many appreciated the video's message and creativity.
Biden delivered a dynamic State of the Union address on Thursday, highlighting key issues such as abortion rights, threats to democracy, and the economy.
Beyond domestic concerns, Biden delved into global affairs, focusing particularly on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine and unveiled initiatives to build a new port in Gaza. This strategic move aims to streamline the delivery of humanitarian aid to the distressed region grappling with the impact of war.
The speech took place just 2 days after Biden and Trump all but secured their parties' nominations on Super Tuesday, setting the stage for a potential rematch in November.