Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

On January 15, 2025, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address from the Oval Office, reflecting on his administration’s tenure and outlining his concerns and recommendations for the future of the United States. While the address attempted to highlight key issues and achievements, a deeper analysis reveals significant flaws in both the administration's policies and its handling of major national and international events.

Warnings Against Emerging Oligarchy

President Biden expressed concerns about the growing concentration of wealth and power among a select few, warning of the threats posed by an oligarchic structure. However, the influence of powerful groups and lobbies is not a new phenomenon in the U.S. political system. Historically, administrations have been shaped and influenced by industrialists, corporations, defense contractors, and special interest groups. These entities have consistently directed policy decisions to serve their interests. Biden’s rhetoric, while well-meaning, added little to the discourse on combating systemic inequalities. His administration itself was no exception, as it was marked by similar influences and financial dependencies.

Concerns Over the 'Tech-Industrial Complex'

President Biden drew parallels to Eisenhower’s warning about the military-industrial complex by highlighting the dangers of a growing “tech-industrial complex.” While the influence of technology giants is a real and present issue, this is also a long-standing problem that previous administrations, including Biden’s, have failed to adequately address. The unchecked spread of misinformation and the dominance of tech companies are systemic challenges rooted in decades of neglect, lobbying, and lack of regulation. Biden’s administration’s efforts in this area were insufficient and did not result in meaningful change, rendering his warning a hollow reiteration of well-known problems.

Call for Reforms

President Biden’s proposed reforms, while commendable in intent, faced significant practical challenges:

Tax Reforms: Achieving a fairer taxation system is a perpetual challenge in any administration. Biden’s proposals faced resistance from various quarters, and his tenure did not see significant progress in reducing wealth inequality.

Campaign Finance Transparency: Transparency in political donations is critical for reducing undue influence. However, despite Biden’s emphasis on this issue, his administration’s inability to ensure robust media independence and judiciary empowerment undermined these efforts. Meaningful reform in this area remained largely aspirational.

Supreme Court Term Limits: While the idea of judicial accountability is laudable, such a reform faces considerable constitutional and political hurdles, and Biden’s administration made little headway in translating this proposal into action.

Ban on Stock Trading by Congress Members: In a capitalist society, restricting stock trading for lawmakers may appear counterintuitive, especially when ordinary citizens are permitted to engage in such activities. This proposal, while aimed at reducing conflicts of interest, was met with skepticism and viewed by many as incompatible with a free-market economy.

Achievements of the Biden Administration

President Biden enumerated several achievements during his term, including economic recovery, infrastructure modernization, healthcare advancements, and gun safety legislation. However, these accomplishments were overshadowed by significant policy failures:

Afghanistan Withdrawal: The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was a major humiliation for the United States, marked by the abandonment of $80 billion worth of military equipment and the collapse of the Afghan National Army. The hasty and poorly executed withdrawal left a power vacuum that was quickly filled by the Taliban, leading to widespread criticism of Biden’s handling of the situation.

Ukraine Conflict: Biden’s insistence on Ukraine’s inclusion in NATO, despite clear warnings from Russia, was a key factor in escalating tensions that ultimately led to the ongoing war. The conflict not only devastated Ukraine but also strained Europe’s resources and diverted billions of American tax dollars with little to show in terms of resolution.

Support for Israel: Biden’s unwavering support for Israel during its military actions in Gaza drew sharp criticism. His administration’s stance was widely perceived as facilitating genocide, tarnishing America’s global image. Domestically, student protests against his policies reflected a deep divide between public opinion and his administration’s approach.

UN Failures: Biden’s administration faced embarrassment at the United Nations Security Council, where several of his resolutions failed to gain support, even from close allies. This highlighted a decline in U.S. diplomatic influence under his leadership.

Peaceful Transition of Power

President Biden emphasized the importance of democratic norms and a peaceful transition of power to President-elect Donald Trump. However, this point seemed disingenuous, as Biden had already withdrawn from the presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor. The narrative of ensuring a smooth transition appeared unnecessary, given his lack of candidacy and inability to influence the process.

Summary

President Biden’s farewell address painted a selective and overly optimistic picture of his administration’s legacy. The reality is that his tenure was marred by significant failures, both domestically and internationally. From the Afghanistan debacle to the Ukraine war, his administration’s policies often led to disastrous outcomes. The disconnect between public sentiment and his administration’s actions further exacerbated societal divisions, as evidenced by widespread protests and discontent.

The defeat of Kamala Harris in the presidential race can be directly attributed to the missteps and controversies of the Biden administration. Historians are likely to view his tenure as a period of missed opportunities and misguided priorities, casting a long shadow over his farewell address and legacy.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)

原文链接：APD | Critical Analysis on President Joe Biden’s Farewell Address.-APDNEWS