As U.S. President Joe Biden neared the end of his time in the White House, he reserved a few surprises for his farewell address on Wednesday evening. Rather than merely reflecting on his time in office, he used the moment to issue stark warnings about the nation’s future and advocate for profound changes to its foundational principles.
Biden’s presidency will conclude on Monday (January 20), when Donald Trump, whom Biden has called an existential threat to the country, will take office. Here are some key takeaways from Biden’s farewell address.
Biden Cautions Against Rising Oligarchy
Biden sounded the alarm about a growing “oligarchy” in America, emphasizing the need to hold the ultra-wealthy accountable to the same standards as working- and middle-class citizens.
“I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern. And this is a dangerous concern. And that’s the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people,” Biden said.
He added, “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.”
Biden Calls For Constitutional Amendment
In his speech, Biden introduced one of his boldest proposals: a constitutional amendment to ensure no president is above the law, holding them accountable for any crimes committed while in office. This follows a Supreme Court ruling limiting the prosecution of sitting presidents, which had a significant impact on the case against Trump regarding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Biden Calls For Patience On Legacy
Biden expressed pride in his accomplishments but acknowledged that they may not be fully recognized in the immediate future. While highlighting his achievements, he emphasized the need for time to assess his legacy, suggesting that history may offer a more favorable view than current public opinion or polling reflects.
“It will take time to feel the full impact of what we’ve done together. But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and they’ll bloom for decades to come,” he said during his farewell address.
Biden Emphasizes The Importance Of Democracy
In his speech, Biden celebrated the democratic institutions that form the foundation of the United States, underscoring the ongoing battle between democracy and autocracy. He reiterated his belief that despite dissatisfaction with government institutions, the system designed by the nation’s founders remains the best form of governance.
Biden Highlights AI’s Risks And Potential
Biden cautioned about the “profound possibilities and risks” associated with artificial intelligence, acknowledging both its potential benefits and the challenges it poses.
“Artificial intelligence is the most consequential technology of our time, perhaps of all time. Nothing offers more profound possibilities and risks for our economy and our security, our society, for humanity. Artificial intelligence even has the potential to help us answer my call to end cancer as we know it. But unless safeguards are in place, AI could spawn new threats to our rights, our way of life, to our privacy, how we work and how we protect our nation,” he said.
