US President Joe Biden. Photo: Leah Millis, Reuters
In his address to Americans, US President Joe Biden warned of the importance of protecting democratic values in the face of Donald Trump’s possible return to power. On the eve of his farewell speech, which Biden will deliver from the Oval Office, he called on his fellow citizens to be vigilant. This was reported by AFP.
The “soul of America” is under threat
“I decided to run for president because I believed that the soul of America was at stake. The very essence of our nation was at stake. And that fight continues,” Joe Biden said in a statement released by the White House.
The 82-year-old Democrat stressed that America’s ideals depend on the choices of its citizens. Although the name of his main political opponent is not mentioned, Biden clearly alludes to Donald Trump, who is already preparing to return to the Oval Office.
Biden recalled that he took office in January 2020, when the country was experiencing a pandemic, an economic crisis and “the most serious attack on democracy since the Civil War”. He referred to the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters who refused to accept his election defeat.
Assessment of Biden’s achievements
In his address, Biden also defended the achievements of his administration:
- Economy: “Today, our economy is the strongest in the world,” he said, pointing to economic growth and record low unemployment.
- Inflation: The President noted that inflation continues to decline, although its growth has become a serious political challenge for his team.
- Security: Biden stressed that the level of violent crime in the US is now the lowest in 50 years.
Transition of power and challenges for democracy
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve this country for 50 years,” Biden said, summing up his career as a senator, vice president and president.
Despite his plans to run for a second time, Biden withdrew from the presidential election in the summer of 2023, handing the candidacy to Vice President Kamala Harris. However, she was defeated by Donald Trump, who returned to power promoting populist rhetoric and questioning the achievements of the Biden administration.
A call to the nation
“I have given my life and soul to our nation,” Biden said as he concluded his mandate. He urged Americans to remember the importance of democracy, noting that the country’s future depends on its citizens.
