Joe Biden’s latest address to the nation struck an ominous tone after he warned of the growing power of America’s ultra-rich and warned that an emerging oligarchy threatens the foundations of American democracy.
Wednesday’s prime-time Oval Office speech came as Biden prepares to return the presidency to Donald Trump, whom he defeated in 2020 only to see his return to power after Biden’s dramatic exit from politics last summer.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our fundamental rights and freedoms, and the opportunity for everyone to progress,” he said. Biden said.
The president laid out some of his most pressing concerns, including what he described as a “crumbling” free press, the outsized influence of the military-industrial complex, the rise of disinformation and the need to remove the black money from politics. He also called for constitutional amendments to ensure presidential accountability, arguing that no president should be immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office.
His presidency, which began with promises to restore the soul of America, ended with him leaving after just one term, having abandoned his re-election bid in July under pressure from his own party due to concerns about his age and fitness to perform his duties. His successor, Kamala Harris, then lost to Trump in the November election.
Despite low approval ratings in his final months, Biden has sought to highlight his administration’s significant legislative accomplishments, including investments in infrastructure and clean energy, measures to lower prescription drug costs and to guide the country through the consequences of the pandemic. His administration also oversaw significant conservation efforts and worked to rebuild America’s manufacturing industry.
Earlier on Wednesday, Biden announced a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, securing what could be seen as a final diplomatic victory of his presidency. The deal, which he first proposed last spring and which Trump’s team served as a catalyst for reaching, could end a 15-month conflict that has pulverized, increasingly isolated Gaza the United States on the world stage and saw the administration face widespread protests on college campuses. and beyond.
“This plan was developed and negotiated by my team, and will be largely implemented by the new administration,” Biden said of the impending ceasefire agreement. “That’s why I’ve asked my team to keep the new administration fully informed, because that’s the way things should be, working together as Americans.”
In a letter released ahead of the speech, Biden reflected on his journey from “a stuttering kid” from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the nation’s highest office. “I gave my heart and soul to our nation.”
The president remained cagey about his decision to withdraw from the race, telling donors last week that he believed he “could have beaten Trump” but chose to withdraw to unify the Democratic Party. He has also signaled his intention to remain politically active after leaving office, recently telling reporters: “I’m not going to be out of sight and out of mind.” »
The farewell speech continues a tradition dating back to George Washington, although Biden is delivering his speech under particularly complex circumstances – leaving office after just one term to be replaced by a predecessor he repeatedly warned was a threat to American democracy.
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The speech caps a series of farewell appearances, including Monday’s speech at the State Department, where Biden claimed he had strengthened America’s global standing.
For Biden, who entered national politics as a senator in 1972 and later served as vice president under Barack Obama, the farewell address marks the end of a political career spanning nine presidencies and nearly every moment major in the modern history of the United States which have been transformed. American life in a way that is both celebrated and contested.
“What I believe is that the America of our dreams is still closer than we think,” Biden said. “It’s up to us to make our dreams come true.”
