Even though he is no longer in the White House, Joe Biden recently shown that he is still making waves. When speaking at a recent conference in Chicago, the former president didn’t mince words about his successor.
The first address by Biden
Donald Trump and Joe Biden have had numerous disagreements over the years, and it’s clear that they still have feelings for one another, particularly when it comes to their respective plans for the United States.
There has been a lot more going on in recent months, even while Trump surges forward in the White House like a bulldozer and makes headlines about international tariffs. Elon Musk’s unexpected appointment as DOGE’s spokesperson, significant university funding cuts, and initiatives to reduce the federal workforce are just a few of the significant changes the current administration has been enacting.
One individual who obviously has opinions on all of this and isn’t afraid to express them is former President Joe Biden.
Biden took the stage during the Advocates, Counsellors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago on Tuesday. Before turning to what he described as “an issue that’s front and centre for millions of Americans,” the 82-year-old spoke kindly about his early years and family.
Attacking Trump Biden began by praising Democrats for designating the day as Social Security National Day of Action, stating: “Everyone in this room fights for people with disabilities who rely on Social Security to survive – and it’s not just the physical side, it’s the mental side, too.” You ensure that people receive the rewards they deserve after working hard for a lifetime; your work is a calling rather than just a job.
He reminded everyone that Social Security is a personal matter, not merely a policy:
Social Security is a program that 73 million Americans get. They pay into it from their very first pay cheque and rely on it to support them in times of need.
It is imperative that we never violate that trust or neglect that commitment, which is why we strengthened and safeguarded social security throughout my administration.
Biden attacked select Republicans in Congress and executive actions from the Trump administration, claiming they seek to “cut and gut Social Security,” without mentioning specific individuals.
He also didn’t hold back:
They think they are who the devil?
According to their idea, social security should be allowed to expire every five years until Congress reauthorises it. They think they are who the devil?
Biden praised his administration’s efforts to win nearly $2 billion to reduce wait times and enhance customer service, but he criticised his predecessor for lifting the debt ceiling after providing the ultra-wealthy with what he called a “profligate tax” cut.
“This individual raised the debt ceiling during his previous tenure because of a massive and wasteful tax on the extremely wealthy.”
And Biden had one urgent question for anyone attempting to cut Social Security:
How do you spend your nights? How are you able to sleep at night?
Biden remarked, “They’re definitely breaking things, they’re shooting first and aiming later.” “The outcome is numerous unnecessary sufferings and restless nights.”
clarified one thing.
“My friend Governor Ali is aware of their true intentions. I adore this remark that he says: “They want to wreck it so they can rob it.”
And Biden stated unequivocally:
“I will not participate in any of it.”
In closing, he emphasised the responsibility of elected officials:
One of the most crucial responsibilities of any elected official is to ensure that the government serves the interests of all citizens and that we fulfil our commitments to them.
Though the crowd applauded Biden’s ferocious remarks, they also reignited a heated national debate: Is Social Security a sacred promise or simply another government expense that needs to be controlled?
Is any attempt to modify benefits a betrayal of working Americans, or should they change in response to economic hardship? Will people support bold defence or call for bold reform in the upcoming election?
How do you feel? Is Biden correct to criticise these cuts, or is it time to make difficult decisions?
