Indeed, there is time for everything.
Just like yesterday, Joe Biden was elected to lead the people of the United States of America, and today, he is bidding them farewell.
How time flies. Four years have already gone by and now, it is time for Biden to hand over the mantle of leadership to Trump who is already warming up on the sideline.
Make no mistake, Donald Trump, a one-time president of the US had defeated Kamala in a fiece election.
Despite the full backing and support of President Biden, Americans choosed Trump to make America great again.
Well, sitting behind the Resolute Desk on Wednesday, the one-term Democratic leader used a 19-minute address to frame his four-year presidency on his own terms – and to appeal for a brand of politics that he sees as rapidly disappearing.
Utilising the Oval Office and commandeering network airwaves one final time, Biden cast his legacy as one of rebuilding and transformation.
However, unlike some of his recent speeches, he did not use the moment to recite the long list of his accomplishments.
Instead, Biden issued a final warning about the path he sees the nation following, one he cautioned could mar the what he’s spent more than 50 years revering.
Meanwhile, if you missed Joe Biden’s farewell speech, then you have nothing to worry about.
In this article, we have capture some key takeaways from Biden’s address.
Here are some major highlights from Biden’s final address to the American people as president:
Biden Warns Of Oligarchy
Biden warned of a developing “oligarchy” in America as he stressed the importance of holding the ultra-wealthy to the same expectations as the working- and middle-class citizens.
“I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern. And this is a dangerous concern. And that’s the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people,” Biden said.
He added: “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.”
However, he did not name the subjects of his warning.
But his targets seemed clear; Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the world’s richest man who’s about to have a clear line to the White House.
Furthermore, he president made reference to the concentration of power over a century ago in the hands of “robber barons,” which was broken through antitrust practices, an issue Biden has made a priority during his administration over a century later.
“They didn’t punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy play by the rules everybody else had to. Workers wanted rights to earn their fair share,” Biden said.
He continued: “They were dealt into the deal, and it helped put us on a path to building the largest middle class and the most prosperous century any nation in the world has ever seen. We’ve got to do that again.”
Taken together, the warnings amounted to a challenge to the incoming president and his team to live up to the populist promises of the campaign trail – ones Biden and many Democrats view as empty.
The Fear Of Social Media
Meanwhile, Biden pointed to social media as he reflected on the things that concern him as his presidency comes to a close.
“I’m equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country, as well,” he said.
“Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling, editors are disappearing,” he added.
“Social media is giving up on fact checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power,” he urged.
Biden Lists Accomplishments
Biden is immensely proud of the list of accomplishments he leaves behind, and has said he doesn’t believe he’s received enough credit for them.
He ticked through many of them on Wednesday, though he chose not to expand on them in detail during his final appearance before the American people.
Instead, he urged patience as his record is assessed, suggesting history could view him differently than polls.
“It will take time to feel the full impact of what we’ve done together. But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and they’ll bloom for decades to come,” he said during his farewell address.
Meanwhile, he listed some of the accomplishment, including lowering prescription drug prices for seniors, passing gun safety laws and helping veterans get health care.
Additionally, Biden also touted foreign policy accomplishments and pointed to how he “strengthened NATO.”
“Ukraine is still free, and we’ve pulled ahead of our competition with China and so much more,” Biden said.
Artificial Intelligence
Biden warned about the “profound possibilities and risks” that come with artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence is the most consequential technology of our time, perhaps of all time. Nothing offers more profound possibilities and risks for our economy and our security, our society, for humanity.
Artificial intelligence even has the potential to help us answer my call to end cancer as we know it. But unless safeguards are in place, AI could spawn new threats to our rights, our way of life, to our privacy, how we work and how we protect our nation,” he said.
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Additionally, Biden urged that it should be ensured that AI works for good, and that America leads its development.
“In the age of AI, it’s more important than ever that the people must govern. And as the land of liberty, America – not China – must lead the world in the development of AI,” he added.
Stay Engaged
One of Biden’s message to Americans on Wednesday as he prepares to leave office was; stay engaged.
“We have to stay engaged in the process. I know it’s frustrating. A fair shot is what makes America, America,” Biden said. “Everyone is entitled to a fair shot, not a guarantee, just a fair shot, an even playing field.”
However, the president said that “the concentration of power and weather” causes division and could make people feel like it is exhausting to participate in democracy.
Furthermore, he urged Americans not to give into that sentiment, “we can never lose that essential truth” of a fair shot, he said.
Stand Guard
Meanwhile, Biden ended his farewell address on an optimistic note as he told Americans he still believes “in the idea for which this nation stands.”
“To you, the American people, after 50 years of public service, I give you my word. I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands. A nation where the strength of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure,” he said.
However, after warning of a growing “oligarchy” and taking veiled shots at his successor over the course of his speech, Biden ended his address imploring Americans to carry forward his hopeful vision of the country.
“Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it too. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you for this great honor,” Biden said.