Biden Reflects on Career and Frustrating Final Days/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As Joe Biden leaves office, he reflects on a 50-year political career marked by historic achievements and frustrations, including losing to Donald Trump. While proud of his accomplishments, from pandemic recovery to foreign alliances, Biden laments missed opportunities and his strained relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris. As the nation shifts to a Trump presidency, Biden’s legacy and post-presidency plans remain topics of intrigue.
Biden Reflects on Career and Final Days
- Farewell Tour: President Joe Biden delivered final speeches to diplomatic, military, and national audiences, marking the end of his presidency.
- Reluctant Departure: Biden leaves office believing he had more to accomplish but acknowledges his health and age as limiting factors.
- Frustration Over Ending: Biden is disappointed by how his political career concluded, with some allies pushing him out of the race and others blaming him for Trump’s return to power.
- Strained Relationships: His ties with former allies and Vice President Kamala Harris have been tested during and after the election.
- Eventful Single Term: Biden led the U.S. out of a pandemic, navigated a chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, and bolstered infrastructure but faced challenges like inflation and border surges.
- Legacy Hopes: Biden expressed optimism that his policies would bear fruit over time, framing his presidency as laying seeds for long-term benefits.
- Last-Minute Actions: In his final days, Biden issued executive orders, pardons, and commutations while reflecting on his achievements and missed opportunities.
- Tensions with Harris: Biden’s repeated comments about his belief in his ability to beat Trump have strained his relationship with Harris, who demonstrated loyalty during their campaign.
- Future Plans: Biden will focus on private life, a presidential library, and possibly a new book, while Harris may explore future political opportunities, including another presidential bid.
Biden Reflects on Career and Frustrating Final Days
Biden’s Legacy: Career Highlights and Frustrations
A Reflective Farewell
President Joe Biden departs the White House on Monday, closing a half-century political career with significant achievements and lingering frustrations. In his farewell speeches, Biden expressed pride in navigating the nation through crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges but also acknowledged the bitterness of leaving office after Donald Trump’s victory.
“I believe the seeds of our work will bloom for decades to come,” Biden said in a televised farewell from the Oval Office.
Accomplishments and Challenges
Achievements:
- Pandemic Recovery: Biden led the nation out of the COVID-19 pandemic and initiated significant vaccine distribution efforts.
- Infrastructure and Jobs: Major investments in infrastructure and manufacturing created jobs and spurred economic growth.
- Foreign Policy: Restored alliances and led efforts against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Challenges:
- Economic Woes: Inflation, partly driven by stimulus spending, soured public sentiment.
- Immigration Policy: Efforts to end Trump-era immigration restrictions were met with a surge in illegal crossings, prompting backlash.
- Afghanistan Withdrawal: Ending the nation’s longest war left a chaotic legacy and questions about competence.
Strained Relationships
Biden’s departure has exposed frictions with former allies and Vice President Kamala Harris, his successor on the Democratic ticket. Tensions rose as Biden privately expressed confidence that he could have defeated Trump if given the chance to run again. This belief created unease among Harris supporters, with one former adviser calling Biden’s remarks “a sign of disrespect.”
Harris, who stood loyally by Biden during his term, faces a challenging road ahead as she contemplates her political future, potentially including a gubernatorial bid or another run for president.
Nostalgia and Frustration
Biden’s final days in the White House were marked by sentimentality and moments of regret. He frequently revisited memories of his long career and lamented public underappreciation of his administration’s accomplishments. “He’s forever frustrated we didn’t tell a good enough story,” a senior White House official said.
Despite these challenges, Biden sought to emphasize his enduring optimism. “I’m not going to be out of sight or out of mind,” he promised, hinting at plans to write a book and build his presidential library.
Looking Ahead
As Biden transitions to private life, he embraces his role as a great-grandfather while contemplating his legacy. Meanwhile, Harris faces decisions about her next steps in politics, including potential runs for governor or president.
“It is not my nature to go quietly into the night,” Harris told staff, signaling her intent to remain politically active.
Key Takeaways
- Career Reflection: Biden exits as the oldest president, proud of his accomplishments but frustrated by unfulfilled goals.
- Achievements and Challenges: Landmark investments and foreign policy wins were tempered by economic struggles and immigration issues.
- Tense Relationships: Biden’s belief he could have beaten Trump added strain to his partnership with Harris.
- Legacy Planning: Biden plans to remain engaged in public life, while Harris considers her political future.
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