I loved his speech! As life long Republican until this year, I liked Biden. I never saw him as anything but a kind soul who loves his country. His eyes to me held sadness that it won’t be him going forward to unite this country. And I saw what Trump said and the contrast between them is why I can never vote for that nasty, foul bully again. I’m sorry we are losing Biden but thankful Kamala will carry his torch forward and hopefully be our next president.
When I read his statement, and watched his address, I thought I couldn’t love him any more.
“His eyes to me held sadness that it won’t be him going forward to unite this country.” That reminds me of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last speech.
I'm sickened by the role the media played in this, but relieved we can move forward. The best way to honor his legacy, is to work to make sure his sacrifice is not in vain.
Interestingly, I haven’t seen any comments here about the part of the speech that hit me hardest. Towards the very end, his voice softens even more and he says “I hope you have some idea how grateful I am, to all of you.” It quite honestly struck me, and it took me several minutes to realize why. It sounded like me thanking all of my friends for helping me move, or thanking my coworkers for helping me get a big project over the finish line. When we’re flooded with a constant stream of all sorts of people in power who are entitled, who are never satisfied, who complain about fairness even as they treat other people grossly unfairly, and who never consider their privilege in the world, it was remarkable and striking to hear the sitting President of the United States thank us for his job. Because, of course, we are fortunate to live in a place where the power we vest in our leaders flows from us. They don’t have their positions because of force, violence, or some imagined divine birthright - even if they’d rather they did. They are in power because we said they could be. It was incredible to hear that acknowledged in a such a humble way. He then went on to make that exact point in his very next sentence. In a hundred years, I would want a student studying this time and the broader societal context to pick up on the fact that that sentence he spoke is the essence of our democracy here in the United States and echoes the sentiments jn Washington’s Farewell Address. Our leaders - and all leaders - are at their best when they can lead with humility, realize their power comes from the people they serve, and then willingly step aside when the people who they serve let them know that they are no longer the ones who are best suited to the task. It was quite the underrated moment, if you ask me.
I logged in today after seeing Biden's proposals for supreme court reform and no one above the law act. And I'm grateful that led me to read this now — what a beautiful and very human take. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I cannot agree more!
“We are all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to it — to this sacred idea — but we’ve never walked away from it either. And I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.”
The entire speech struck just the right chord, but this part caught my breath. It so perfectly encapsulates what I believe, and what I hope a majority of other Americans believe as well. I’ve known Joe Biden is a good man who truly cares about this country; that’s evident to anyone who takes the time to consider his record. I think he’ll be ranked right up there in the top five presidents in our history, after this selfless act, and the way he’s handled the entire situation.
Those lines strike me as well. President Biden touched on the sacredness of the American ideal, and while shy away from the belief that America is chosen by God above all others, I do find something special, even sacred, about this country.
This part in particular, "We’ve never fully lived up to it — to this sacred idea — but we’ve never walked away from it either," kind of took me out. I wanted him to retire, especially after the debate, so I didn't expect to feel so sad; but I'm proud of him. I feel hope again.
Whatever side you’re on, and as tired as we all are of living through new historical events- this is one moment that we can sit with, and reflect on the humanity of our current President. The enormity of this decision will be just a paragraph in someone’s US History book in only a few years, surpassed by the events that unfold after the election and all the things that came before. But how swiftly one man’s humility has changed the course of our nation. Very interesting ❤️
It was a touching speech. I could feel his sadness and I continued to be sad for him. He sacrificed for us and now I will excitedly support Kamala Harris and work hard to get her elected so his work will be continued.
He reminded me of Jimmy Carter whom I have always admired as a human. He was clear in his goals for the next six months and his goal in doing his part to save democracy by gracefully stepping aside. It shows his willingness to put country before self, democracy before ambition, his fellow Americans before any personal aspirations. I thank him for his service imperfect though it may be. No person is perfect so it’s how we overcome and work around those imperfections that show our character. Biden showed immense strength of character in that speech and he has my gratitude and respect.
The delivery may have distracted from the message for some viewers. I found it more helpful to read it. Either way that must have been an incredibly difficult decision and emotional moment for his whole family. I think he has handled this with grace and respect for the office and country.
I heard part of it without watching him which was more powerful. When watching Biden I got distracted by him reading the cue cards whereas just listening I found the speech very moving.
I personally think the timing couldn't have been more perfect. By waiting until after the RNC, the GOP is in a panic. They are locked into their nominees. By waiting, he has pushed us to be more united. The chaos and division I feared did not happen. I am active in the Democratic Party in Texas and instead of chaos , we are seeing overwhelming excitement. People are calling and volunteering like I have never seen before. I can feel the hope in everyone's voices. It is not going to be easy but if we do the work we will defeat project 2025 and DJT/JDV.
A last thought: I look around the world at the worst dictators and they are all old men who cling to power no matter the cost: Xi, Putin, etc. They crush their own people to stay in power. I think it’s powerful to see Biden give up another chance at the presidency for what he views as the greater good.
Very good point. It’s time to also pass a torches to more women! Men have had their opportunity since the beginning of time. Men and their wars and their weapons and their power. Maybe, just maybe we need something different.
I noted his determination to share his parting gifts from his 50 years of public service. Not a tremor in his hands, reading eloquently from the prompter, in front of family who showed their own emotions.
I didn't get to watch the speech, but have seen many clips and reading it made me feel sad but hopeful. I could sense his selflessness and focus on the country in his speech, and I certainly think it will be reviewed many years from now as a memorable message.
I was primarily a republican voter for 20 years prior to 2020, and from now on, I will vote based on principal, not party, thanks in part to Sharon's teaching the past four years. President Biden's speech made me proud that I voted for him in 2020, based on his principles. Those principles were evident in that speech, and I hope that's how it's remembered in 100 years.
I was incredibly moved. Especially in a time where many politicians are putting their own ambitions of power, fame and money ahead of what is best for this country, it was powerful to see him put his country first. Its somewhat sad his decades long career has been largely overshadowed by the his presidency. I genuinely believe at his core is a decent, kind human.
I loved his speech! As life long Republican until this year, I liked Biden. I never saw him as anything but a kind soul who loves his country. His eyes to me held sadness that it won’t be him going forward to unite this country. And I saw what Trump said and the contrast between them is why I can never vote for that nasty, foul bully again. I’m sorry we are losing Biden but thankful Kamala will carry his torch forward and hopefully be our next president.
When I read his statement, and watched his address, I thought I couldn’t love him any more.
“His eyes to me held sadness that it won’t be him going forward to unite this country.” That reminds me of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last speech.
I'm sickened by the role the media played in this, but relieved we can move forward. The best way to honor his legacy, is to work to make sure his sacrifice is not in vain.
This gives me hope!
I agree Trumps response lacked grace and class that comes so easily to Biden.
This made me teary eyed, Marti. Thank you for choosing character and principles over party lines.
Interestingly, I haven’t seen any comments here about the part of the speech that hit me hardest. Towards the very end, his voice softens even more and he says “I hope you have some idea how grateful I am, to all of you.” It quite honestly struck me, and it took me several minutes to realize why. It sounded like me thanking all of my friends for helping me move, or thanking my coworkers for helping me get a big project over the finish line. When we’re flooded with a constant stream of all sorts of people in power who are entitled, who are never satisfied, who complain about fairness even as they treat other people grossly unfairly, and who never consider their privilege in the world, it was remarkable and striking to hear the sitting President of the United States thank us for his job. Because, of course, we are fortunate to live in a place where the power we vest in our leaders flows from us. They don’t have their positions because of force, violence, or some imagined divine birthright - even if they’d rather they did. They are in power because we said they could be. It was incredible to hear that acknowledged in a such a humble way. He then went on to make that exact point in his very next sentence. In a hundred years, I would want a student studying this time and the broader societal context to pick up on the fact that that sentence he spoke is the essence of our democracy here in the United States and echoes the sentiments jn Washington’s Farewell Address. Our leaders - and all leaders - are at their best when they can lead with humility, realize their power comes from the people they serve, and then willingly step aside when the people who they serve let them know that they are no longer the ones who are best suited to the task. It was quite the underrated moment, if you ask me.
Loved reading this. Thanks for taking the time to share this.
Wow! Yes! This is an excellent thought!
Yes, it hit me as a very humble moment and came from the heart. I don’t recall if I have ever heard trump once say the words “thank you”.
I logged in today after seeing Biden's proposals for supreme court reform and no one above the law act. And I'm grateful that led me to read this now — what a beautiful and very human take. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I cannot agree more!
Beautifully said. <3
“We are all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to it — to this sacred idea — but we’ve never walked away from it either. And I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.”
The entire speech struck just the right chord, but this part caught my breath. It so perfectly encapsulates what I believe, and what I hope a majority of other Americans believe as well. I’ve known Joe Biden is a good man who truly cares about this country; that’s evident to anyone who takes the time to consider his record. I think he’ll be ranked right up there in the top five presidents in our history, after this selfless act, and the way he’s handled the entire situation.
I was especially struck that he made sure to say clearly “we all” instead of “all men.”
Those lines strike me as well. President Biden touched on the sacredness of the American ideal, and while shy away from the belief that America is chosen by God above all others, I do find something special, even sacred, about this country.
This part in particular, "We’ve never fully lived up to it — to this sacred idea — but we’ve never walked away from it either," kind of took me out. I wanted him to retire, especially after the debate, so I didn't expect to feel so sad; but I'm proud of him. I feel hope again.
Taking a step back to perceive an event - in political or personal life - as "a student in 100 years" is such a fantastic exercise to recommend.
Yes! I loved that!
Whatever side you’re on, and as tired as we all are of living through new historical events- this is one moment that we can sit with, and reflect on the humanity of our current President. The enormity of this decision will be just a paragraph in someone’s US History book in only a few years, surpassed by the events that unfold after the election and all the things that came before. But how swiftly one man’s humility has changed the course of our nation. Very interesting ❤️
Well said
As a life long Republican who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 to protect democracy, I loved Biden's speech. I was spellbound and very moved by it. 🥹
It was a touching speech. I could feel his sadness and I continued to be sad for him. He sacrificed for us and now I will excitedly support Kamala Harris and work hard to get her elected so his work will be continued.
Humility. Dignity. Grace. It was a beautiful speech!💙
He reminded me of Jimmy Carter whom I have always admired as a human. He was clear in his goals for the next six months and his goal in doing his part to save democracy by gracefully stepping aside. It shows his willingness to put country before self, democracy before ambition, his fellow Americans before any personal aspirations. I thank him for his service imperfect though it may be. No person is perfect so it’s how we overcome and work around those imperfections that show our character. Biden showed immense strength of character in that speech and he has my gratitude and respect.
The delivery may have distracted from the message for some viewers. I found it more helpful to read it. Either way that must have been an incredibly difficult decision and emotional moment for his whole family. I think he has handled this with grace and respect for the office and country.
I think you are right that reading is a different experience than listening
I heard part of it without watching him which was more powerful. When watching Biden I got distracted by him reading the cue cards whereas just listening I found the speech very moving.
I personally think the timing couldn't have been more perfect. By waiting until after the RNC, the GOP is in a panic. They are locked into their nominees. By waiting, he has pushed us to be more united. The chaos and division I feared did not happen. I am active in the Democratic Party in Texas and instead of chaos , we are seeing overwhelming excitement. People are calling and volunteering like I have never seen before. I can feel the hope in everyone's voices. It is not going to be easy but if we do the work we will defeat project 2025 and DJT/JDV.
A last thought: I look around the world at the worst dictators and they are all old men who cling to power no matter the cost: Xi, Putin, etc. They crush their own people to stay in power. I think it’s powerful to see Biden give up another chance at the presidency for what he views as the greater good.
Very good point. It’s time to also pass a torches to more women! Men have had their opportunity since the beginning of time. Men and their wars and their weapons and their power. Maybe, just maybe we need something different.
I noted his determination to share his parting gifts from his 50 years of public service. Not a tremor in his hands, reading eloquently from the prompter, in front of family who showed their own emotions.
I didn't get to watch the speech, but have seen many clips and reading it made me feel sad but hopeful. I could sense his selflessness and focus on the country in his speech, and I certainly think it will be reviewed many years from now as a memorable message.
I was primarily a republican voter for 20 years prior to 2020, and from now on, I will vote based on principal, not party, thanks in part to Sharon's teaching the past four years. President Biden's speech made me proud that I voted for him in 2020, based on his principles. Those principles were evident in that speech, and I hope that's how it's remembered in 100 years.
I was incredibly moved. Especially in a time where many politicians are putting their own ambitions of power, fame and money ahead of what is best for this country, it was powerful to see him put his country first. Its somewhat sad his decades long career has been largely overshadowed by the his presidency. I genuinely believe at his core is a decent, kind human.