“Since its founding, America has been a beacon of the most powerful idea of government in history,” Biden, 82, said. “An idea is stronger than any army. We are more powerful than any dictator.” He emphasized that the durability of American democracy depends on a president with limited powers, an efficient Congress and an independent judiciary. In the background of his words there was one of the longest interruptions in funding for the federal government in history, which, as he pointed out, had become a pretext for expanding the White House's control over the administration.
“I can't put it any other way. These are dark days,” Biden said. At the same time, he assured that the country “will find its right compass” and “will come out of this stronger, wiser, more resilient and fairer, if only we keep the faith.”
In part of the speech, Biden listed examples of resistance to government pressure: federal officials resigning from their positions, universities and comedians standing up for free speech, and Republican politicians who despite their party colors, they vote against the administration. “Nightnight hosts continue to shine a light on freedom of speech, knowing they are risking their careers,” he stressed.
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Joe Biden on the threats
Biden recalled that American history has never been a fairy tale, but a 250-year-long struggle “between threat and opportunity.” He concluded his speech with a call for mobilization and perseverance.
The former president left office in January after one term. He withdrew from running for re-election after a critical debate with Trump and in the face of questions about his age, health and mental condition. He endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, who she lost to Trump in the November election.
In May, Biden's office announced his diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. The tumor was rated 9 on the Gleason scale, which indicates a very aggressive course of the disease. At the beginning of the month Biden has completed a course of radiation therapy, and the next stages of treatment have not been disclosed.
The politician, who will turn 83 in November, has announced he will be the keynote speaker at a Democratic Party event in Omaha, Nebraska, next month.
