In many ways, Bidenâs speech highlighted the tension between past leadership and present politics. His reflections carried the weight of someone who feels unfinished business, someone who believes that the work of coalition-building and diplomacy is not yet complete.
At the same time, his comments about family and writing suggest a man increasingly at peace with a supporting role. No longer at the center of global power, Biden appears comfortable offering guidance from the sidelines while enjoying the personal freedoms that come with private life.
The Bigger Question
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from Bidenâs remarks was his recurring question: if America does not lead, who will? In an era of shifting alliances, growing global competition, and rapid technological change, the answer to that question may determine the course of international politics in the coming decades.
Bidenâs belief is that American leadershipâdespite its challenges, controversies, and criticismsâremains essential. Whether or not he is right, the fact that world leaders still reach out to him, if his account is accurate, suggests that his voice still carries weight.
Conclusion: Influence After Office
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