Biden initially entered the race for a second term but withdrew after criticism from fellow Democrats following a poor debate performance against President-elect Donald Trump in June. He subsequently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who faced a significant defeat from Trump in November. During his address, the 82-year-old spoke about the importance of family, with First Lady Jill Biden and son Hunter Biden present nearby.
Scott Jennings appeared on Anderson Cooper 360 after Biden’s speech, describing the president’s final days in office as tumultuous. Jennings argued that Biden’s legacy would primarily be tied to his time as vice president alongside Obama and the subsequent resurgence of Trump and Trumpism during his presidency. He criticized the Democratic Party for not reflecting on Biden’s failures and his low popularity as president.
As Biden’s term comes to an end, he leaves with a 61% disapproval rating from Americans, with only 36% of US adults approving of his presidency, matching his record low. In his farewell address, Biden expressed concerns about the concentration of power among the ultra-wealthy and the potential consequences if left unchecked. He also took aim at the tech-industrial complex and warned about the growing oligarchy in America.
Despite the criticisms and warnings, Biden wished his successor, Trump, success and emphasized his desire for America to thrive. Some commentators, like Fox News host Dana Perino and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), criticized Biden for what they perceived as a disjointed and hypocritical speech, questioning his focus on certain issues and his overall message.
Critics derided President Biden’s farewell address as “rich” for touching on themes of democracy, a free press, institutional integrity, and the abuse of power. Gabriella Huffman, the director of the Independent Women’s Forum Center for Energy & Conservation, deemed the primetime speech as “underwhelming.” In contrast, Democrats praised Biden for both his address and years of dedicated service.
Reflecting on the past four years, former President Barack Obama took to X to remind the public of the pivotal need for strong leadership during times of crisis. He emphasized the importance of setting aside political differences to prioritize the greater good. Meanwhile, David Axelrod, a former Special Adviser to Obama, lauded Biden’s farewell speech as one of his most impactful addresses to date.
Amid varied reactions, it is evident that Biden’s parting words have sparked a range of opinions and emotions within the political sphere.
