Sunday shows preview: Biden State of the Union gets mixed reviews; 2024 race in overdrive

President Biden’s fiery State of the Union address on Thursday received mixed reviews after he called out Republicans on abortion, Ukraine aid and the border. Without using his name, Biden targeted former President Trump — his likely rival in the 2024 election — and kickstarted the general election race for the White House, all of which is likely to be the focus for this week’s Sunday shows.

An invigorated Biden addressed the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol and the threat Trump poses to democracy in the United States. With the two 2020 presidential candidates off to the races for a rematch, the 2024 general election season has begun to heat up.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who like nearly all of Biden’s cabinet members was in attendance for the annual address, will appear on both ABC’s “This Week” and “Fox News Sunday.”

Following the speech, he fired back at House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who criticized Biden’s speech for being “hyperpartisan” and “vitriolic.”  Buttigieg argued that Johnson’s criticisms of bipartisan legislation Biden passed was “literally false.”

Biden, 81, spoke for more than an hour before the joint session of Congress on Thursday, often shouting and showing energy many were surprised about. Dubbed “Sleepy Joe” by Trump in the past, Fox News host Sean Hannity said the president was “hyper-caffeinated” and he should now be called “Jacked-up Joe.”

Biden addressed a deeply divided Congress. The Senate passed a $460 billion package of six spending bills Friday, avoiding a partial government shutdown. The legislation ran into staunch opposition from conservatives, even after passing the House.

Another divisive issue is the stalled border bill. After the bipartisan Senate border deal failed, Biden used his address to directly condemn Republicans for opposing the deal on behalf of Trump.

When GOP members vocally dissented, Biden argued “Look at the facts. I know you know how to read.”

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) was one of three senators to draft the bipartisan border deal that failed. It would have included $20 billion for border security and given the federal government temporary authority to expel migrants when daily crossings at the border exceeded a set threshold, as well as allow officials to process asylum claims more quickly, among other provisions.

While Biden referenced the border deal, Lankford was seen mouthing the words “that’s true” and nodding his head. He is set to join CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

Other advocates of Biden’s are set to appear on this week’s shows, where they will likely talk about his performance and upcoming general election efforts. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) will appear on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

Following the address, Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) delivered the Republican response. She received heavy criticism online for a melodramatic and unusual rebuttal. Britt will appear on “Fox News Sunday.”

Biden’s address was predicted to be a pivotal moment in his campaign, as it’s become increasingly likely that he will face Trump in the polls this fall. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley suspended her campaign Wednesday after a significant defeat in Super Tuesday elections across the country.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who suspended his GOP primary bid and endorsed Trump, will appear on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” Trump confirmed that Scott is on his shortlist of vice-presidential candidates.

Here is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this week’s Sunday talk shows:

ABC’s “This Week” – Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).

NBC’s “Meet the Press” – Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

CBS’ “Face the Nation” ­– Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

CNN’s “State of the Union” – Warnock; Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.); North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D).

“Fox News Sunday” – Buttigieg, Sen. Katie Britt  (R-Ala.).

News Nation’s “The Hill Sunday with Chris Stirewalt” ­– Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.).

Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” ­– Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.); Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).