HUFFPOST
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden engaged in something of a live negotiation with congressional Republicans during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night — and the two sides even seemed to agree.
First, Biden infuriated Republicans by accusing them of supporting an extreme proposal that would jeopardize Social Security and Medicare. Republicans roared “no” in response, and at least one lawmaker yelled, “liar.”
Biden then veered off his prepared remarks.
“So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right? They’re not to be touched?” he said.
Both sides of the chamber applauded, and Biden gave a thumbs-up as several Republicans joined Democrats in standing.
“All right, we got unanimity!” Biden said. Moments later, he asked lawmakers to stand again to show they wouldn’t cut Medicare or Social Security, and just about everyone stood.
Biden ad-libbed some more: “I will not let Medicare be taken away, not today,…
