Washington, United States – Former US President Joe Biden warned that the United States is facing “dark days.” He emphasized that “American democracy itself is at stake.” This came during a ceremony honoring him at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The institute presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long political career.
During his speech at the ceremony held in Boston on Saturday evening, Biden said:
dark days
“I cannot sugarcoat things… These are dark days, the worst I have seen in my decades of public life.” He added, “Our nation is facing a true test, and democracy is in real danger.”
Political challenges
Biden linked his remarks to the political and social challenges facing the country. These challenges include extreme partisan polarization and skepticism about the institutions of justice and elections. Biden emphasized the need to “fight like hell” to protect the democratic values upon which the United States was founded.
Despite his anxious tone, Biden expressed optimism about the country’s future, saying:
“America is one of the few countries that emerges from every crisis stronger than before. We will emerge from this phase stronger, wiser, and more just, as long as we maintain the faith.”
Biden’s speech comes after criticism from some politicians, including Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who described his presidency as “a missed opportunity due to the extreme left-wing control of his decisions.”
The award honors Biden’s more than fifty years in public life. He served 36 years in the Senate, eight years as Vice President to Barack Obama, and four years as President of the United States, including his early years on the New Castle County Council in Delaware.
