Joe Biden just demonstrated that he is still making waves even if he is no longer in the White House. When speaking about his successor at a recent conference in Chicago, the former president didn’t mince words.
Biden’s initial remarks
It’s no secret that Joe Biden and Donald Trump are not at odds, especially when it comes to their respective views for the United States. The two have argued numerous times over the years.
There has been a lot more going on in recent months, even while Trump pushes forward like a bulldozer in the White House, making headlines over international tariffs. The present administration has been implementing significant reforms on a number of fronts, including the unexpected nomination of Elon Musk as the face of DOGE, significant reductions in university funding, and initiatives to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
Former President Joe Biden is one someone who obviously has opinions about all of this and isn’t afraid to express them.
At the Advocates, Counsellors, and Representatives for the Disabled convention in Chicago on Tuesday, Biden took the stage. After talking kindly about his early years and family, the 82-year-old turned his attention to Social Security, which he described as “an issue that’s front and centre for millions of Americans.”
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.” Your work is more than simply a job; it’s a calling. You ensure that people receive the rewards they deserve after a lifetime of arduous labour.
He emphasised to the audience that Social Security is a personal matter and not merely a policy:
In exchange for their contributions, 73 million Americans rely on Social Security to support them in times of need. They have been contributing to the program since their first pay cheque.
People, we must never ever betray that trust or neglect a duty; for this reason, we strengthened and safeguarded social security under my presidency.
Biden attacked Trump-era executive actions and some Republicans in Congress, claiming they intended to “cut and gut Social Security,” without mentioning specific individuals.
He also didn’t mince words:
What on earth do they believe they are?
They proposed allowing social security to expire every five years unless Congress reauthorised it. Who on earth do they believe they are?
Biden criticised his predecessor for lifting the debt ceiling after providing what he called a “profligate tax” reduction to the ultra-wealthy, even as he praised his administration’s efforts to win nearly $2 billion to enhance customer service and reduce wait times.
“This guy raised the debt ceiling the last time he was in office because of a huge and wasteful tax on the extremely wealthy.”
Biden also had a glaring query for those attempting to cut Social Security:
How do you get any sleep at all? How do you get any sleep at all?
“They’re shooting first and aiming later, so they’re definitely breaking things,” Biden remarked. “A lot of unnecessary suffering and restless nights are the outcome.”
made one point plain.
Governor Ali, a friend of mine, is aware of their true intentions. “They want to wreck it so they can rob it,” he continues, and I adore this remark.
Biden also stated unequivocally:
“I will not comply with any of it.”
He concluded by highlighting the responsibility of elected officials:
“Ensuring that the government works for the people, works for all the people […] and that we keep our promises to the people, all the people, is one of the most important jobs of any elected official.”
The audience applauded Biden’s scathing remarks, but they also reignited a heated national discussion about whether Social Security is a sacred promise or just another government expense that has to be cut.
Should benefits change in response to financial hardship, or would reforming them be a betrayal of American workers? Will people demand bold reform or reward bold defence in the upcoming election?
What are your thoughts? Is it time for difficult decisions, or is Biden correct to point out these cuts?