Biden to Deliver Farewell Address, Closing 50-Year Political Career

Biden to Deliver Farewell Address Amid Challenges and Legacy-building Efforts

President Joe Biden is set to address the nation in a prime-time farewell speech on Wednesday evening, marking the conclusion of his extensive political career that spans over five decades. The speech, scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, will be delivered from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office—an iconic location that evokes both reverence and the weight of his impending departure from a role he has held with great esteem.

While the White House has not disclosed the specific content of Biden’s farewell address, it is expected to reflect his desire to solidify a legacy as a transformative leader. In recent months, he has focused on portraying his presidency as one that not only stabilized domestic politics in the wake of a global pandemic but also reasserted America’s leadership on the world stage. Historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy, alongside efforts to enhance democratic institutions both domestically and internationally, are among the accomplishments he may highlight.

However, Biden’s farewell is overshadowed by his challenging approval ratings, which reveal a deeply unpopular presidency. Compounding this situation is the fact that he will hand over the presidency to Donald J. Trump, a successor he has openly criticized and deemed unfit for office. This context adds a somber note to what is traditionally a reflective moment for a departing president.

Biden’s previous prime-time address served as a moment of resignation when he announced his withdrawal from the presidential race under intense pressure from his party, amid increasing concerns about his age and fitness for another term. The upcoming farewell address is not only about looking back but also about attempting to reshape how he is remembered.

In the wake of Trump’s electoral victory, Biden has found it difficult to maintain visibility in the political landscape. Robert Schlesinger, an expert on presidential addresses, noted that farewell speeches carry a unique weight, as they attempt to encapsulate an era just as the public’s attention shifts towards the incoming administration.

As part of a series of speeches leading up to his departure, Biden has highlighted a range of domestic achievements, including his efforts in conservation and international relations, asserting that he has enhanced America’s standing in the global arena. Following the farewell speech, he is scheduled to deliver at least two more addresses, during which he will likely continue to advocate for the advancements made during his term.

In a recent statement, Biden voiced his belief that he could have won against Trump, emphasizing that his decision to step aside was driven by a desire to unify the Democratic Party for the future. His conviction in his electoral potential reflects a lingering ambition even as he prepares to pass the mantle to his successor.

After leaving office, Biden has assured supporters and donors that he will remain engaged and involved in the Democratic Party. In a foreign policy address at the State Department last week, he underscored America’s newfound status as a global leader, asserting that his administration is leaving the next leadership in a position of strength.

He remarked, “Make no mistake, there are serious challenges that the United States must continue to confront. However, my administration leaves the next president with a strong hand to play,” framing his exit as one that transitions power to someone who will inherit a fortuitous situation on the world stage.

Historically, farewell addresses have provided presidents with a platform to reflect on their administrations while cautioning successors about unfolding challenges. Previous addresses, such as those by Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, included themes of responsibility, the complexities of governance, and warnings of societal difficulties.

As Biden prepares his farewell address, historians speculate it could echo sentiments expressed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, who similarly regarded his long public service. Observers anticipate that Biden may reference the risks faced by democracy today, aiming to carve out a contrast with the approach of Trump and his administration.

William Hitchcock, Eisenhower’s biographer, has suggested that Biden’s message may center on themes of sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation, highlighting his own family’s commitment to public duty. He could leverage this moment to draw a juxtaposition between his values and those of his successor, without feeling the need to explicitly chastise Trump.

As both Biden and Eisenhower prepared for their departures, they did so amidst the reality that their chosen successors had lost their respective elections. While Eisenhower refrained from openly criticizing John F. Kennedy, the emotional weight of transition surrounded both leaders.

Ultimately, Biden’s farewell address promises to be an emotional and historical moment, embodying the gravity of his presidency and the complexities of passing on a legacy to a successor. The acknowledgment of a "bitter moment of transition" resonates deeply within the context of Biden’s anticipated address, leaving audiences to reflect not only on his time in office but also on the future trajectory of American politics.