Biden's farewell: Reflecting on legacy and future threats
US President Joe Biden delivered a speech, summarising his fifty-year involvement in politics. "This will be my last speech from the Oval Office as president," he said to the Americans.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech on Wednesday evening local time, in which he summed up his presidency, as he prepared to leave the White House.
"This will be my final address to you, the American people, from the Oval Office, from this desk, as president. And I’ve been thinking a lot about who we are and, maybe more importantly, who we should be," he said. Before the speech, the White House published a document over 100 pages long, summarising his four years of presidency.
"I’m so proud of how much we’ve accomplished together for the American people, and I wish the incoming administration success. Because I want America to succeed. That’s why I’ve upheld my duty to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power to ensure we lead by the power of our example," he said in the speech.
Joe Biden on threats
US President Joe Biden in his farewell address to the nation warned of the growing oligarchy in America. According to Biden, the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few poses a threat to democracy and basic civil liberties.
The US President expressed concern about the rise of the "technology-industrial complex," which may pose a real threat to the country. Biden emphasised that Americans are being inundated with disinformation, which allows for abuses of power.
The final weeks of the presidency
Biden spent the last weeks on a farewell tour across the United States. On Monday, the president outlined his achievements in foreign policy. On Wednesday, he announced a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East. The White House's social media accounts were very active, publishing lists of Biden's achievements: his infrastructure law, clean energy initiatives, and leading the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to the nation published on Wednesday morning, Biden described the country as "stronger, wealthier, and safer" than four years ago. "It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years," wrote Biden.
"Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States," he added. "I have given my heart and my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people." wrote the outgoing president.
Economic achievements
He also highlighted his economic achievements, which included over 40 months of continuous job growth, but also a period of high inflation, which raised concerns about his economic management and contributed to his electoral defeat.
"Today, we have the strongest economy in the world and have created a record 16.6 million new jobs. Wages are up. Inflation continues to come down. The racial wealth gap is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. We’re rebuilding our entire nation—urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities. Manufacturing is coming back to America. " wrote Biden.
Regrets over stepping back from re-election?
Biden, preparing to leave the White House, suggested that he could have beaten Donald Trump in the November elections. "It is a bold statement, but I think I could have," Biden said to "USA Today," citing the polls he reviewed.
Biden withdrew from the presidential race last July, after a disastrous performance in a debate with Trump, which prompted Democratic leaders to withdraw his candidacy.
On Sunday, the last full day as President of the United States, Joe Biden will visit Charleston, South Carolina. He and Jill Biden will attend the inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday.
Source: YouTube, Daily Mail, The Independent, PAP
