President Joe Biden's farewell address on Wednesday evening marks his final major opportunity to address millions of Americans and the global audience, highlighting his legacy before his term concludes on January 20.
What To Know
The televised address is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time from the Oval Office. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden will reflect on his "50-plus years as a public official."
Biden’s Decades of Public Service
Biden's career began as one of the youngest U.S. senators in history, serving Delaware for 36 years starting in 1973 at age 30. He transitioned to the vice presidency in 2009, serving two terms under President Barack Obama. In 2021, he became the 46th president after defeating Donald Trump in the 2020 election.
During his presidency, Biden faced numerous challenges but also achieved significant milestones, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare reforms, and international diplomacy. However, his tenure concluded amid political shifts within the Democratic Party.
The 2024 Election and Transition
Initially the Democratic frontrunner for the 2024 election, Biden's candidacy faltered following a poorly received debate against Trump in the summer. Vice President Kamala Harris subsequently became the Democratic nominee but was unable to secure victory against Trump in November 2024.
Biden on Whether He Could Have Won
In a recent USA Today interview, Biden expressed confidence that he could have won if he had remained in the race, citing favorable polling data. However, when asked about his physical ability to serve another term, he admitted uncertainty, stating, "I don't know."
Public Perception of Biden’s Presidency
A poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that only about 25% of Americans view Biden as a "good" or "great" president, with fewer than 10% describing him as "great." Comparatively, Donald Trump left office with around one-third of Americans rating his presidency positively, while Barack Obama exited with a 50% positive rating.
What People Are Saying
Jean-Pierre shared that Biden plans to share his thoughts on the nation's future and its role as a global leader during his address. "He will lay out his vision for how America can move forward amid critical global challenges," she added.
What’s Next
Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, five days after Biden’s farewell address, marking the beginning of a new political era.
Joe was better than most presidents in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteTrump is the foolish mouthpiece of a lager beast.