Biden reminds Americans “We’re more powerful than a dictator” and to stand strong during these “dark days”

Former President Joe Biden, no matter what the media say about him, has still got it. The 46th US President didn’t mince his words as he delivered a sharp message to a captivated audience, describing the current moment in American politics as “dark days.”

While accepting a lifetime-achievement award at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, the 82-year-old drew attention to what he called serious threats to the cornerstones of U.S. democracy: freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, and executive restraint, all things targeted by Trump during his reckless second term.

“Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world,” Biden said. “The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than a dictator.”

“Keep the faith”

Biden referenced an array of recent developments: federal workers resigning in protest, universities and comedians under pressure, and what he sees as growing executive overreach under Donald Trump’s presidency.

“Friends, I can’t sugar coat any of this. These are dark days” Biden added before predicting that the US would “emerge as we always have — stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith.”

“America is not a fairy tale. For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull, an existential struggle between peril and possibility.”

Curiously, Biden mentioned the pushback, starting with the late-night talk show hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, who both saw their shows cut due to pressure from above: “The late night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech knowing their careers are on the line,” he reminded.

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Biden also gave special mention to Republicans who have publicly pushed back against Trump’s agenda or voted in ways he deemed courageous. He emphasised that America’s 250-year history has been a “constant push and pull, an existential struggle between peril and possibility.”

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