Farewell Address from the Oval Office

In a poignant address from the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Joe Biden will mark the end of his five-decade political journey, as his legacy faces an uncertain future amid the looming presence of Donald Trump. Many view Biden’s presidency as a transitional period, yet he opted to seek re-election at the age of 80, convinced that he alone could prevent Trump’s return to power.

Biden Withdraws from the Race

The dramatic twist came when Biden had to withdraw from the race, following a disappointing debate performance against Trump, leading many Democrats to lay blame on his leadership for the party’s losses in the elections. With Vice President Kamala Harris' attempts to campaign resulting in failed outcomes across key battleground states, the disappointment was magnified.

Notable Achievements

Throughout his presidency, Biden's administration has been marked by notable achievements including: - The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, a monumental task that involved overseeing vaccine distribution and economic recovery. - Funding an ambitious infrastructure revival aimed at modernizing America’s roads and bridges. - Initiatives to boost semiconductor manufacturing, critical for technology production. - A commitment to tackle climate change and address societal inequalities.

Division and Backsliding

Despite these successes, Biden’s presidency has not remedied the significant divisions within the country or the global democratic backsliding that many feared. Although he triumphed over Trump in 2020, the former president’s comeback threatens to overshadow Biden’s accomplishments.

Reflections on Legacy

Former Obama adviser David Axelrod reflected on Biden’s aspirations, saying, “All Joe Biden wanted was to be remembered for the great things he did for this country.” With Trump’s resurgence, many believe Biden's ambition to be seen as a transformative leader is at risk.

Commitment to Unity

In a letter released on the day of his farewell, Biden reiterated his commitment to unity, stating, “I ran for president because I believed that the soul of America was at stake... And that’s still the case.” He urged American citizens to continue fighting for the nation’s ideals of equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Historical Perspective on Legacy

A White House official weighed in on the perception of Biden's legacy, asserting that historical judgment often requires time. “It has been just moments in historical terms since the last election. This president has secured the most significant legislative record since LBJ, and the lasting impacts of these laws will unfold over the coming decades,” the official noted.

President’s Challenges and Accomplishments

Senator Chris Coons echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Biden stepped into office during an unparalleled moment of turmoil. He stated, “The country was in the depths of crises, and the recovery from the pandemic has been his single greatest accomplishment.” Despite these accolades, challenges remain, especially with public dissatisfaction over inflation that has strained Biden's perception as a caretaker of the economy. Criticism mounted from Republicans, who linked economic hardships to Democratic policies while diverting attention to immigration issues, regardless of evidence.

Long-Term Economic Struggles

Economist Heidi Shierholz from the Economic Policy Institute pointed out the long-term struggles: “You cannot reverse four and a half decades of rising inequality with a few years of absolute good economic outcomes... But providing relief recovery at the necessary scale has been fundamental to fostering job growth.”

Foreign Policy Achievements and Criticisms

Biden’s foreign policy achievements include uniting the Western world against Russian aggression in Ukraine and strengthening international alliances. Nonetheless, his administration faced criticism for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in tragic losses and remained a blemish on his reputation.

Support for Israel and Internal Party Fractures

Furthermore, his unwavering support for Israel during its military responses to Hamas provoked debate within his own party, leading to fractures among Democrats and affecting Biden's standing with progressive factions.

A Legacy Clouded by Trump's Resurgence

Vincent Rigby, a former national security adviser, characterized Biden’s presidency as an “interlude” within an era defined by Trump. He emphasized, “Five, 10, 15 years from now, he’s likely to be seen as the president between two Trump administrations. He held the line, but Trump came back.” As Biden bids farewell from the Oval Office, the lasting impact of his time in office remains to be seen, as the political landscape is reshaped once again by the return of a powerful Donald Trump. What will history ultimately say about the Biden presidency? Only time will tell.