Former President Joe Biden expressed his concerns about the current state of the nation during a speech on Sunday night, describing the era under President Donald Trump as “dark times.” He encouraged Americans to “rise up” alongside late-night TV hosts, labeling them as brave moral leaders who promote free speech.
Biden, who is 80, emphasized, “America has always been a symbol of powerful ideas throughout history. This idea is more potent than any military force. We are stronger than any dictator.”
Biden, now 82, spoke publicly for the first time after undergoing radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer. This occurred after he received a lifetime achievement award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, where he delivered a sobering message to an audience in Boston.
During his address, he noted that the U.S. relies on a president with constrained authority, a working Congress, and an independent judiciary. With the federal government facing one of its longest shutdowns ever, he criticized Trump for utilizing funding issues to gain increased control over governance.
He directed a message of fear towards Trump and his administration, while also expressing admiration for late-night hosts.
“We can’t overlook this situation, my friends. We are living in troubling times,” Biden cautioned, expressing hope that the nation would “find its moral direction again” and “come out stronger, wiser, and more just, just as we have historically, as long as we maintain our faith.”
As noted in a report, Biden pointed out that as Hollywood’s influence wanes in opposition to Trump, he urged citizens to regard comedians and late-night hosts as important figures for free speech, even if they risk losing viewership.
“Late-night hosts are continuously advocating for free speech, fully aware of the risks to their careers,” he remarked.
He concluded by urging the country to “stand back up.”
