Biden bids farewell: Warns of oligarchy threats and tech abuses
President of the USA, Joe Biden, delivered a speech summarizing his fifty-year involvement in politics. "This will be my last speech from the Oval Office as president," he told Americans.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech on Wednesday evening Eastern Time, in which he summarized his presidency as he prepared to leave the White House.
"This will be my final address to you, the American people, from the Oval Office, from this desk, as president. And I’ve been thinking a lot about who we are and, maybe more importantly, who we should be," he said. Before the address, the White House released a document over 100 pages long, summarizing his four years of presidency.
"I’m so proud of how much we’ve accomplished together for the American people, and I wish the incoming administration success. Because I want America to succeed, that’s why I’ve upheld my duty to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power to ensure we lead by the power of our example," he said in the speech.
Joe Biden on threats
In his farewell speech to the nation, President Joe Biden warned against the growing oligarchy in America. According to Biden, the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few threatens democracy and fundamental civil liberties.
The President expressed concern over the rise of the "tech-industrial complex," which could pose a real threat to the country. Biden emphasized that Americans are flooded with misinformation, enabling abuses of power.
The last weeks of the presidency
Biden spent his last weeks on a farewell tour across the United States. On Monday, the president presented 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 accomplishments: his infrastructure bill, clean energy initiatives, and leading the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to the nation published Wednesday morning, Biden described the country as "stronger, more prosperous, 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 kid with a stutter from modest beginnings 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 my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people." wrote the outgoing president.
Economic achievements
He also highlighted his economic achievements, which included over 40 months of continuous job growth. However, a period of high inflation 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 up. Inflation continues to come down. The racial wealth gap is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. We’re rebuilding our entire nation—urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities. Manufacturing is coming back to America. " wrote Biden.
Regrets about not running for re-election?
Biden, as he prepared to leave the White House, suggested that he could have defeated Donald Trump in the November election. "It's a bold statement, but I think so," Biden said to "USA Today," referring to the polls he reviewed.
Biden withdrew from the presidential race last July, after a disastrous debate performance against Trump, which led Democratic leaders to withdraw his candidacy.
On Sunday, Biden's last full day as President of the United States, Joe Biden will visit Charleston, South Carolina. He and Jill Biden will attend Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.
Source: YouTube, Daily Mail, The Independent, PAP
