President Biden has boasted that the United States is “back” and in a “better position” to lead, despite low approval ratings and a persistently weak national economy.
Ahead of the midnight countdown to 2024, Mr. Biden, 81, and first lady Jill Biden, 72, went from a St. Croix beach vacation to ABC's New Year's Eve with Ryan Seacrest in Times Square. Appeared via satellite on the Rockin' Eve show.
“My wish is for you all to have a healthy, happy and safe New Year, but more than that, knowing that we are in a better position than any other country in the world to lead the world. We want it. We're coming back, and it's time,” Biden said with a big smile on the air. According to a clip shared on X.
When asked about the highlight of 2023, Biden mentioned an anecdote about his late father.
“One of the big highlights stands out to me…My dad once had this look on his face. He said, “Joey, work is more than a paycheck; Dignity and respect,” the president recalled.
“So many people in the Midwest and in the heart of the country were losing hope and faith as their jobs went overseas over the last few years,” he continued.
“We brought a lot of jobs back to the United States, and people are now in a position to make a living. They created as many as 14 million jobs.
“I'm so glad the American people stood up. They've been through tough times.'' [the] It's a pandemic, but they're coming back. We are back,” Biden concluded.
The commander-in-chief did not mention that wages and incomes are still struggling to keep up with price increases, but the issue is a hot topic between Biden and voters as the heated 2024 presidential election approaches. This will lead to conflict.
Even the president's supporters are skeptical of the administration's so-called “Bidenomics” approach to campaigning.
Dr. Jill Biden also mentioned her career as an educator and told Seacrest that her message is looking forward to 2024.
“I think what I always tell my students is to stay positive, be optimistic, and be kind to each other. Happy New Year,” she explained.
The couple also talked about their holiday feasts. That included a wink to Biden's famous love of ice cream.
“I eat everything that's in front of me. My favorite is pasta. I eat a lot of chicken, chicken Parmesan,” said the 80-year-old.
Jill Biden reminded her husband that she also had ice cream, but the president pointed out that it had a “chocolate chip” flavor.
Biden's optimistic message for the near future comes as his approval rating remains at a dismal 37.2%, with more than half of Americans disapproving of his economic leadership. It was done.
The administration is now facing an unending series of crises, from the lingering effects of decades of high inflation to wars in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
The day before his New Year's Eve chinwag with Seacrest, the president also had just finished dinner with Jill and granddaughter Natalie, where he was grilled by a reporter about his 2024 aspirations.
“[My resolution is] come back [to St. Croix] Next year,” he said cheekily, before adding, “That’s the biggest thing right now.”
Biden spent more than a third of 2023 on vacation and at Camp David, according to the data.
His preferred retreat was Delaware, where he spent about 90 days at a mansion in Greenville or a beach house in Rehoboth.
