A Fond Farewell Leaves Much To Be Desired

Sometimes people disappoint us. It can be family, a good friend, a member of the clergy, a political leader, even a president. And due to our thoughtlessness and self-serving ways, sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. One's words and deeds can cut deep and bring both physical and mental harm to another.

Recently this was made manifest before the American people, and for that matter a good part of the known world. On January 15 (2025) at 8:00 pm Eastern time, President Joe Biden came before the nation to give his farewell address, as he leaves office and begins life beyond the presidency. I’m certain Mr. Biden’s supporters waited with great anticipation and expectation for the president to make an unforgettable speech, one they’d hoped would be profound, insightful, honorable, unifying, which spoke to our shared values and American greatness and exceptionalism. 

It is regrettable however that the entire nation could not have come together under one president, in unity and harmony, and say goodbye to Mr. Biden with thanks and best wishes. However, his words did not accomplish this goal for many, and he like most presidents, had his detractors. In the lead-up to the farewell, and based on insider reports, it was clear from sources and many news outlets on both sides of the political and ideological spectrum that they did in fact expect a more divisive speech.

Mr. Biden did not disappoint his critics, and in their minds proved that his inclination towards fits of anger, pettiness, boastfulness, and intolerance are not beyond his purview, as his tenure as president revealed. Although his sentiments did at times express positivity and were measured, they also had more of vainglorious aspects that were unbecoming to the office. 

In his opening remarks, the president claimed victory for the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, and the release of hostages. “This plan," he went on, "was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That’s why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed, because that’s how it should be, working together as Americans.”

It was however an accepted fact that former, and now newly elected, President Trump could also claim success and involvement, having been part of the talks and negotiations. It was reported that Mr. Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu played a pivotal role in the plan. When asked about this in the discussions following the address, Mr. Biden’s response was “Is that a joke?” 

In what must have been a complete surprise to the listening audience, save those who wrote the speech, Mr. Biden created a juxtaposition of issues. He went into rambling out of left field, warning the nation about a growing “oligarchy that threatens our entire democracy.” “My fellow Americans, I want to warn the country of some things that have given me great concern, that’s a dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people. The dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked.”

He went on “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy. Our basic rights, freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.” Recall, these same billionaires, now “oligarchs,” were part of the landscape back in 2020 during the presidential campaign, only then most were supporters of Mr. Biden and his path to victory. The 2024 presidential race, however, witnessed what appeared a mass rush to the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida of President-Elect Trump by the ultra-wealthy, to gain favor and a foot in the door.

The address included the Biden administration's and Democratic Party’s aggressive climate agenda and that “billionaires begin to pay their fair share.” Part of the speech also focused on the American dream and how “we are all created equal.” Many might recall how during his presidency Mr. Biden on numerous occasions would besmirch and label conservatives (MAGA) as threats to the nation and democracy. There was also the persecution and prosecution of the pro-life movement, and the Department of Justice's failure to investigate attacks on Catholic Churches and pro-life pregnancy centers.

In an effort to capture the feelings of the American people about Mr. Biden’s legacy, in the words of one supporter, “I’m very sad for Joe Biden, he served his country well almost 50 years, but his legacy - it may get rehabilitated with the history books; but unfortunately, his legacy will be difficult because a lot of what his legacy is, is the withdrawal from Afghanistan; they made a mistake and people died.”

President Biden will leave office with an approval rating one of the lowest of any president in history at 36%.