Biden initially sought re-election but withdrew from the race following criticism from fellow Democrats about his poor debate performance against President-elect Donald Trump in June. He later endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who suffered a significant defeat to Trump in November. During his address, Biden emphasized the importance of family, with First Lady Jill Biden and son Hunter Biden present. Scott Jennings, appearing on Anderson Cooper 360, described Biden’s final days in office as challenging, suggesting that his legacy would be tied to ushering in the Trump era as vice president and then bringing back Trump as president. Jennings criticized the Democratic Party for not reflecting on Biden’s failures and highlighted Trumpism’s resurgence. Biden’s approval ratings were low, with many Americans viewing his presidency as a failure. In his farewell address, Biden expressed concerns about the concentration of power among the ultra-wealthy and warned of threats to democracy. Despite the criticisms, Biden wished his successor, Trump, success and emphasized the importance of American prosperity. Fox News host Dana Perino criticized Biden for perceived inconsistencies in his speech and suggested that the speechwriters may have not captured his presidency accurately.
Critics have deemed it “rich” for President Biden to discuss topics such as democracy, a free press, institutions, and the abuse of power in his recent farewell address. Gabriella Huffman, the director of the Independent Women’s Forum Center for Energy & Conservation, characterized the prime-time speech as “underwhelming.” In contrast, Democrats have praised Biden for his remarks and years of public service. Former President Barack Obama reflected on the past four years, emphasizing the need for leadership during a pandemic and commending Biden’s ability to prioritize the greater good over politics. David Axelrod, a former Special Adviser to Obama, lauded Biden’s address as one of his most remarkable speeches. This response was echoed by supporters of the President.
