Former President Joe Biden delivered his first public speech since leaving the White House during a National High Schools Model United Nations event at the Sofitel Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. This summit uniquely connected Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled. It was closed to the media, so only event goers got to hear Biden’s remarks.
Biden, whose address lasted around thirty minutes, spoke in a low, solemn voice. He took on the Social Security issue head-on, skillfully sidestepping any direct attribution to his predecessor, Donald Trump. He referred to him as “‘this guy’. This decision marks a significant step in his desire to be a critic without launching an all-out political war.
Biden’s focus on Social Security drew attention as he expressed deep concern over the cuts enacted by the Trump administration. He made clear these cuts endangered the very existence of the institution. Those checks pay for food, medicine, and other essentials that millions of Americans rely on.
“We can’t go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are. Like I said, I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s never been this divided.” – Joe Biden
Biden’s tone and delivery throughout the speech was at times almost whisper quiet, which led to significant difficulty in hearing him for many attendees. This forced all of the people in the audience to savor every ounce of mystery. He slammed Howard Lutnick’s statement. As Lutnick put it, implying that his mother-in-law wouldn’t mind a bit if she missed her next Social Security payment. Biden framed Lutnick’s view as out of touch with the reality average Americans are struggling with.
As the former president put it, “Granted, it’s about 30%, but it’s a heartless 30%.” He made clear that he thought the Trump administration’s fiscal policies were cruel to vulnerable people.
Biden criticized the impact of Trump’s policies, stating that in “fewer than 100 days, the new administration has made so much… damage and so much destruction.” His comments described a country still reeling from the deepening chasm of discord that he had never seen so acute before.
Biden wasn’t willing to strongly denounce the actions of the Trump administration throughout his speech, but it was clear that he wasn’t a fan. He chastised the cuts to Social Security for putting the institution at risk. Retiring those benefits would fundamentally undercut the value that millions of deserving Americans depend upon for their daily sustenance.
Unlike their colleagues, Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, doubled down on the former president’s attacks on Social Security. Cheung stated, “President Trump has repeatedly promised to protect Social Security and ensure higher take-home pay for seniors by ending the taxation of Social Security benefits. Anybody saying otherwise is either stupid or an all-out liar, or both in Biden’s case.”
That speech, then, was a big deal for Biden. His departure from public life opened the door for a dramatic return to national politics after years spent outside the political limelight. His decision to make on Social Security is what resonates with everyday Americans. This concern is particularly acute for seniors and those with disabilities, who depend most on these benefits.
Though perhaps not intentional, Biden’s rebuke of Lutnick calls attention to an increasingly vital issue—the disconnect between task-focused policy makers and the everyday citizens they represent and serve. Biden attempts to underscore the importance of Social Security. His aim is to shine a light on the economic insecurity that millions of Americans are living through right now.
Biden remains on the front foot in defining his post-presidency. With this speech, Obama sets an admirable tone for his future role in stimulating public dialogue around critical social issues. His approach promises an openness to tackle controversial issues, yet enough detached awareness to avoid getting mired in intense political skirmishes.