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With just over a month remaining in his presidency, Biden discussed his legacy and the lasting impact he hopes to leave on the nation. “The one thing I’ve always believed about public service, and especially about the presidency, is the importance of asking yourself: ‘Have we left the country in better shape than we found it?’” he remarked.
“Today, I can say, with [every] fibre of my being, of all my heart, the answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes.’ Because of all of you assembled here, we can be proud we’re leaving America in a better place today than we came here four years ago.”
Biden also acknowledged that the full benefits of his policies, such as the CHIPS and Science Act, may take time to materialise.
The act, which allocates nearly $53 billion to support the U.S. semiconductor industry, aims to boost research and domestic chip production.
“Many of the laws we passed were so consequential it wouldn’t be implemented right away. It takes time to build those fabs — or factories for chips. It takes time to get this construction going,” Biden explained.
The president urged his party members to stay hopeful, despite the challenges ahead, including the Republican-controlled House. “That’s the road ahead, to never give up, to keep the faith. To know, that what we’re doing matters.
I know I’m going to stay engaged. I know Kamala, Jill and Doug are gonna as well, and I know you will. We need you badly. The country needs you badly,” Biden said.
Vice President Harris also took the opportunity to express gratitude for the party’s efforts during her presidential campaign. “When it mattered most, through the entire campaign, including those 107 days, you all rallied. You rallied.
You opened your homes. You reached out to your friends and your family. You put your personal capital and by that, I mean your relationships at stake to talk with people, because you care so deeply,” Harris shared.
Despite her loss to President-elect Donald Trump, Harris encouraged the Democratic supporters to remain strong. “Our spirit is not defeated. We are not defeated. Let’s be clear about that. We are strong,” she declared.
