After 50 years of aspiring to become President of the United States and three-and-a-half years in office, Joe Biden was denied the opportunity to bid farewell to his campaign in the traditional manner. Instead of a speech to the nation, the 81-year-old president, who was self-isolating at home in Delaware, announced his decision to withdraw from this year’s presidential election through an online statement. However, in an effort to shape his legacy, Biden delivered a speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday night.
Surrounded by his family and seated at the Resolute Desk, Biden referenced three of America’s founding fathers and quoted from the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to the US Constitution. His deliberate mention of George Washington, the first president of the United States, was particularly notable. Biden emphasized that Washington had shown that presidents are not kings and highlighted the importance of democracy, stating, “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do.”
Biden wanted to be remembered like Washington, as a leader who stepped back for the good of the people. Washington, despite being urged by some of his troops to adopt the title of king, refused and chose not to run for a third term to differentiate the new American republic from European monarchies. Biden, on the other hand, did not make his decision voluntarily but rather in response to calls for him to step back and “pass the torch.”
Unlike Washington, Biden did not step back out of concern for becoming an all-powerful ruler. In fact, Biden ended his campaign when it became evident that he was too weak and unpopular to win another election against Trump and too frail to garner the support of the American public. While Biden’s speech emphasized the protection of democracy, there was a hint of reluctance in his words. He acknowledged his belief that his record as president, his leadership on the world stage, and his vision for America’s future warranted a second term. However, he acknowledged that nothing should stand in the way of saving democracy.
Biden outlined his accomplishments during his tenure as president, including his handling of the Covid pandemic, his “Bidenomics” policies, and the appointment of the first Black woman as a Supreme Court justice. Despite calls from Republicans for him to step down immediately, Biden affirmed his commitment to continue working on NATO, crime reduction, and tackling illegal migration for the remainder of his term.
It is clear that Biden’s speech was a significant moment in his life, as it will likely be his last major address. In his 1,500-word speech, he referenced notable presidents and aimed to leave a lasting impact on the country’s history. His description of America as a nation of “dreamers and doers” was intended for future generations. Ultimately, Biden’s legacy will be determined by the outcome of this year’s election. If Kamala Harris fails to defeat Trump and he secures a second term, Biden may face criticism. However, if Harris is successful, Biden will be praised for making the right decision when he realized he could not win. This is a choice that Washington never had to face
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