Joe Biden’s final address to the nation struck an ominous tone, warning of the growing power of America’s super-rich and that a rising oligarchy threatens the foundations of American democracy.
Wednesday’s prime-time address from the Oval Office came as Biden prepares to hand over the presidency to Donald Trump, who he defeated in 2020, but Biden was unable to do so last summer. Trump returned to office after his own dramatic retirement from politics.
“Today, an oligarchy is forming in the United States with extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our fundamental rights and freedoms, and a fair chance for advancement for everyone,” Biden said. ” he said.
The president outlined some of his most pressing concerns, including the “crumbling” freedom of the press, the outsize influence of the military-industrial complex, the rise of disinformation, and the need to eliminate dark money from politics. He also argued that no president should be immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office, and called for constitutional amendments to ensure presidential accountability.
His presidency, which began with a promise to restore America’s soul, ended with him stepping down after one term, declining to run for re-election in July under pressure from his party concerned about his age and suitability for the presidency. Ta. His successor, Kamala Harris, later lost to Trump in the November election.
Despite facing a slump in approval ratings in the final months, Biden remains focused on key aspects of his administration, including investments in infrastructure and clean energy, measures to lower prescription drug costs and steering the country through the aftermath of the pandemic. He sought to highlight significant legislative achievements. The administration also oversaw massive conservation efforts and worked to rebuild U.S. manufacturing.
Biden announced a landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas early Wednesday, securing what could be described as the final diplomatic victory of his presidency. The deal, which he first proposed last spring and whose closing was catalyzed by Mr. Trump’s team, shatters Gaza, deepens America’s isolation on the world stage and leaves the administration facing widespread protests on college campuses. It could end a 15-month long conflict. And beyond that.
“This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be primarily implemented by the incoming administration,” Biden said of the impending ceasefire agreement. “That’s why I told my team to keep the incoming administration well-informed, because that’s how we should work together as Americans.”
In a letter released ahead of his speech, Biden reflected on his journey from “a kid who stuttered” to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the nation’s highest office. “I have given my heart and soul to this country.”
The president has remained defiant about his decision to withdraw from the race, telling donors last week that he believed he “could have beaten Trump,” but that Democrats He said he chose to withdraw in order to unify the country. He has also indicated that he intends to remain politically active after leaving office, recently telling reporters, “I have no intention of disappearing from view or consciousness.”
The farewell address continues a tradition dating back to the days of George Washington, but Biden delivered it under particularly complex circumstances. He has repeatedly warned that he will step down after one term and be succeeded by his predecessor, which poses a threat to American democracy.
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The speech concludes a series of farewell speeches, including one at the State Department on Monday in which Mr. Biden claimed he had strengthened the United States’ global standing.
For Biden, who entered national politics as a senator in 1972 and then served as vice president in President Barack Obama’s administration, the farewell address marks a political career that spanned nine presidencies and nearly every chapter of modern U.S. history. It marks the end of an important moment. It changed American life in ways that are both celebrated and contested.
“My belief is that the America of our dreams is always closer than we think,” Biden said. “It’s up to us to make our dreams come true.”
