State of the Union: Biden addressing the nation in prime time | LIVE COVERAGE

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is delivering his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday night.

The speech will provide Biden one of his biggest audiences of the year as he makes his case for a second term and contrasts his vision of the country’s future with Republicans ahead of what’s expected to be a lengthy general election fight with former President Donald Trump.

Here’s how to watch and what to look for during Thursday’s address by President Joe Biden.

Where to find it

You can find the State of the Union on all major networks, which will be carrying it live. It will also be streamed online by the White House, ABC, this station and the media player (above). The speech starts at 9 p.m. ET.

Cast of characters

You might notice a new face behind Biden when he starts his speech. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana became the House speaker in October after unhappy Republicans ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. Rep. Nancy Pelosi had the job before McCarthy but lost it when Democrats failed to keep the majority in the 2022 midterm elections.

That makes Johnson the third House speaker to sit behind Biden during a State of the Union, reflecting the political instability in Washington and a challenging shift for Biden. House leadership has fallen further under the sway of the chamber’s right flank, making it harder for the president to cut deals with the opposing party.

Expelled and disgraced, former Rep. George Santos, who still retains floor privileges as an ex-member of Congress, also showed up for the speech.

WATCH | Expelled GOP Rep. George Santos reappears on House floor before State of the Union

Biden’s age

No president gets a free pass on the world’s biggest stage, but Biden will be watched more carefully than most because of his age. At 81 years old, he’s the oldest commander-in-chief in history, and he would be 86 at the end of a potential second term.

Donald Trump, Biden’s Republican predecessor and likely opponent in this year’s election, is 77. A majority of U.S. adults doubt either of them have the mental capabilities to serve as president, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The 81-year-old president was being closely watched not just for his message, but for whether he could deliver it with vigor and command.

White House aides said Biden was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on access to abortion, but also tax policy and healthcare. It’s part of his campaign-year effort to use even official speeches to clarify the choice for voters at the ballot box this fall.

Policy agenda

Keep your ears open for any new policy proposals. The State of the Union is a chance for presidents to lay out their goals and rally Americans to support their plans. For example, Biden used a previous speech to discuss his “unity agenda,” which included expanded healthcare benefits for veterans.

The president showcased his accomplishments on infrastructure and manufacturing, and pushed Congress to approve more aid to Ukraine, tougher migration rules and lower drug prices. He also sought to remind voters of the situation he inherited when he entered office in 2021 amid a raging pandemic and a contracting economy.

Taking a victory lap in selling his legislative accomplishments, such as one that bolsters manufacturing of computer chips nationwide, Biden veered from his prepared script to take a dig at Republicans who voted against such policies but are eager to take credit for them back home.

“If any of you don’t want that money in your districts,” Biden said, “just let me know.”

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Special guests

There are more than just lawmakers and top officials in the chamber for the speech. Politicians bring guests to the gallery to put a face to whatever issue they want to highlight.

Biden pointed to his State of the Union guests impacted by restrictions placed on reproductive rights at the state level.

“History is watching another assault on freedom,” he said.

He told the story of Latorya Beasley, a Birmingham resident who successfully had a daughter through in vitro fertilization and decided to try for one more child. Her treatments were halted when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled last month that frozen embryos are children under state law, which temporarily upended IVF access until Alabama legislators passed a new law.

Biden called for a similar federal bill.

“She was told her dream would have to wait. What she went through should never have happened,” he said. “Unless Congress acts, it could happen again. So tonight, let’s stand up for families like hers. To my friends across the aisle, don’t keep this waiting any longer. Guarantee the right to IVF!”

Lawmakers will have their own guests too. Johnson and two New York representatives are bringing police officers whose brawl with migrants in Times Square caused a political uproar among Republicans who have blamed Biden for loose border security. Rep. Elise Stefanik, another New York Republican, invited a Border Patrol officer who also serves as a union official.

Fashion statements

Television cameras will pan across the chamber during the State of the Union, so you’ll have a clear view of everyone in the audience too. This is a chance for lawmakers and guests to send a message of their own with their clothing.

There was a sea of white as Democrats started to fill the chamber, ABC News’ Capitol Hill team reports. The House Democratic Women’s Caucus is wearing all white — along with “Fighting for Reproductive Freedom” pins.

Other members are wearing blue to show support for the Israeli hostages taken after Hamas’ October terror attack.

Some Republicans are wearing pins that say “Say her name: Laken Riley” in honor of the 22-year-old nursing student who was killed while out running on the University of Georgia’s campus last month. The suspect charged in her death is a Venezuelan migrant who is illegally in the U.S., officials have said.

Some Republican lawmakers are also wearing buttons that read: “Stop the Biden border crisis.”

Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., are wearing keffiyehs, traditional Palestinian scarves, at the address, as the progressive wing of the Democratic Party continues to call for a cease-fire in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.

Protest potential

You might think that everything about the State of the Union is scripted, but that’s not the case. Even in a tightly controlled environment, it’s still possible that someone could stage an interruption. Biden has been shadowed around the country by protests over his support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Activists have also planned a demonstration in Lafayette Square near the White House before the speech.

In addition, Republicans have earned a reputation for interruptions. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Lauren Boebert of Colorado heckled Biden during his State of the Union in 2022. Then in 2023, some Republicans shouted at Biden when he accused them of trying to cut Social Security and Medicare. “I enjoy conversation,” Biden said as he urged Congress to unite behind protecting the safety net programs.

Johnson is trying to tamp down on outbursts from his caucus. He encouraged House Republicans to show “decorum” during the speech, according to a person familiar with his remarks at a private meeting on Wednesday.

Protests can come in other forms too. Pelosi theatrically ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech after the State of the Union in 2020.

Republican response

If you’re not tired of politics when the State of the Union is over, stay tuned for more. The opposing party traditionally stages its own response to the speech. This year, Republicans chose Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama. At 42 years old, she’s the youngest female senator and some party leaders hope she could be a rising star.

But whatever she says, many will be waiting to see Trump’s own response. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump promised to provide “LIVE, Play by Play” commentary on Biden’s speech. As Trump cruises toward the Republican presidential nomination, his remarks will help frame the stakes of the election.

Who is Sen. Katie Britt, the Alabama Republican giving the SOTU response?

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Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.

ABC News contributed to this report.