Biden’s State of the Union—and the stories people from across the country are telling us—make the case for economic optimism

President Biden’s State of the Union address outlined the progress the U.S. has made on a multitude of fronts over the past two years. The president highlighted major economic legislation that he has signed into law to rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure, boost domestic manufacturing and adoption of clean energy technologies, and lower costs for working families’ major expenses, like prescription drugs, health care, and utilities.

Despite these accomplishments, a poll released this weekend found just 36% of Americans believe Biden has accomplished a good or great amount as president. However, after the State of the Union speech, an exit poll found that 62% of Americans have a lot or some confidence that Biden will provide real leadership for the country. While some are branding the president’s address as his opening sales pitch for potential re-election, the policies he spoke about aren’t empty promises on a campaign trail.