Biden's farewell: Reflections on achievements and challenges
US President Joe Biden delivered a speech summarizing his fifty-year involvement in politics. He told Americans that this will be my last speech from the Oval Office as president.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech on Wednesday evening Eastern Time, summarizing his presidency as he prepares to leave the White House.
- This will be my last speech to you, Americans, from the Oval Office as president. I have thought a lot about who we are and, more importantly, who we should be - he said. Before the speech, the White House published a document that was over 100 pages long, summarizing his four years of presidency.
- I am proud of how much we have achieved together for the American nation, and I wish the new administration success because I want America to succeed. That is why I felt obliged to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power - he continued.
Joe Biden on threats
In his farewell address to the nation, US President Joe Biden warned of the growing oligarchy in America. According to Biden, the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few threatens 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 emphasized 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, including 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 stuttering child from a modest home 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 soul to our nation. And I have been showered a million times over with the love and support of Americans" - 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 rising. Inflation continues to fall. The racial wealth gap is the lowest in 20 years. We are rebuilding our entire country - urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities. Manufacturing is returning 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 mentioned to "USA Today," citing the polls he reviewed.
Biden withdrew from the presidential race last July, following a disappointing performance in a debate with Trump, which led 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
