Biden’s Departure Sparks Varied Reactions to His Legacy

WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden assumed office during one of the most extensive public health emergencies in U.S. history, vowing to “restore the soul” of the country and foster unity. As his presidency neared its conclusion, it has been marked by a blend of commendation and criticism, resulting in a polarized legacy.

In his inaugural address in 2021, Biden characterized the occasion as a “winter of peril and possibility.” Four years later, in his farewell address to the nation on January 15, he conveyed pride in his administration’s accomplishments.

“I’ve fulfilled my promise to be president for all Americans during one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history,” Biden reflected, considering the successes and obstacles of his administration.

Supporters hailed Biden as a savior, arriving at a crucial moment to steer the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, impose vaccine mandates, resolve supply chain issues, stimulate economic growth, and uphold democracy. However, critics targeted his presidency, raising concerns over government overspending, rampant inflation, ongoing wars, and an escalating border crisis.

Inflation became a key challenge during Biden’s presidency, reaching a 40-year peak. The rising costs of groceries and energy have significantly impacted the daily lives of many Americans, particularly those in lower and middle-income brackets, whom Biden aimed to assist.

Though Biden and his administration contended that inflation was a worldwide issue stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the upward price trends were a major contributor to negative perceptions surrounding his economic program, referred to as “Bidenomics.”

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Biden asserted that he has created jobs continuously throughout his presidency, claiming the lowest average unemployment rate for any administration in the past 50 years.

“He’s been a good president. He’s delivered on much,” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) informed The Epoch Times.

The outgoing president repeatedly mentioned that many of his legislative successes are aimed at long-term benefits, suggesting that their impacts will become clearer over time.

Biden recently mentioned he thought he could have won the 2024 election had he remained in the race. However, he conveyed uncertainty about his energy levels for another four-year term.

“Who knows what I’ll be like when I’m 86?” he remarked.

Democratic strategist Theryn Bond characterized Biden’s time in office as “consequential and controversial.”

“There were several instances during his political career that some may view as problematic, while others might consider them highly successful,” she told The Epoch Times.

Bond remarked that Biden entered office resembling a “superhero,” as dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 response and various policy decisions had led the public to hope he would “save the day.”

She also noted that he will be evaluated not only for his presidency but for his entire political career.

Some individuals will commend him for the initiatives he introduced that benefited them directly, such as student loan forgiveness.

Foreign Policy Legacy

Throughout his presidency, Biden claimed to have focused on reinforcing alliances and partnerships, particularly in countering Russia and China. He took pride in enhancing NATO by adding new members, Sweden and Finland, to the coalition.

The departing commander-in-chief underscored that, amidst challenges, he managed to keep the United States from entering war.

Nevertheless, his foreign policy faced considerable scrutiny, especially regarding the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. The takeover of Kabul by the Taliban post-U.S. exit, along with the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. troops from a suicide bombing at Kabul airport, led to substantial criticism of the administration’s crisis management. The distressing scenes of Afghans clinging to aircraft in desperation to leave the country shocked the globe, prompting many U.S. allies to question American leadership on the world stage.

During his foreign policy address at the State Department on January 13, Biden claimed responsibility for the Afghanistan withdrawal, stating that he terminated the nation’s longest conflict after 20 years.

However, the event marked a pivotal point in his presidency, triggering the first significant drop in his approval ratings.

Biden continued the trade hostilities with communist China that were initiated by Trump during his first term. However, Biden’s strategy focused more on reinforcing alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to combat climate change and technology issues while concurrently limiting China’s access to crucial U.S. technologies.

Biden publicly referred to Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as a dictator and asserted that the United States would not hesitate to utilize military force should China try to invade Taiwan.

‘Tech-Industrial Complex’

During his farewell address from the Oval Office on January 15, Biden remarked that “an oligarchy is emerging in America characterized by extreme wealth, power, and influence.”

He also recalled President Dwight Eisenhower’s famous 1961 farewell address warning about the impacts of the “military-industrial complex.”

“Six decades later, I share similar concerns about the possibility of a tech-industrial complex that could present genuine threats to our nation,” Biden remarked.

“We tended to defer to the government on several of these policies, which in hindsight, I likely would not do, given what I know now,” Zuckerberg commented.

Christopher Hale, a political analyst and alumnus of the Obama White House and campaign, stated that Biden’s farewell address was not just designed for immediate impact.

“It was meant to influence the broader, enduring debate,” Hale informed The Epoch Times.

“If his assessment of a tech-industrial oligarchy as the central threat of our time is accurate, this could represent a crucial moment of his presidency. However, evaluating its implications will require a generation,” he added.

What Is Next?

Biden is scheduled to visit Charleston, South Carolina, on January 19—one day prior to exiting office—a state that holds special significance as it was where his journey to the White House began over four years ago. His success in the state’s primary in 2020, bolstered by robust support from Black voters, represented a crucial moment that rekindled his campaign and ultimately secured the party’s presidential nomination after an earlier struggle in other primaries.

The culmination of Biden’s presidency marks not only the end of his time in office but also the conclusion of a political career that spans five decades, including roles as a senator from Delaware and as the vice president under President Barack Obama.

On January 20, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are expected to attend Trump’s inauguration. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Bidens will likely head to central California for personal time.

The outgoing president hinted on January 10 that he intends to continue working on domestic policy issues after his presidency.

When questioned about his plans, Biden quipped, “I’m not going to disappear or be out of sight.”