Change of power in the USA: Biden: I gave my heart and soul to the country

Even before his official farewell speech, outgoing US President Joe Biden used emotional words to thank his compatriots for their support. “I have given my heart and soul to our nation. And in return I have been blessed a million times over with the love and support of the American people,” said a letter from Biden that the White House released before the speech.

For Biden, his departure as president also marks the end of a decades-long career. The 82-year-old will hand over the office on Monday to the Republican Donald Trump (78), whom he replaced in the White House four years ago. Biden’s farewell speech has been announced for Thursday night German time (Wednesday evening local time).

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this nation for over 50 years,” Biden continued. Only in the USA is it possible for a child with a stutter from modest backgrounds to one day take on such a powerful position.

White House lists long list of milestones

With the letter, the White House published a long list of milestones from the Democrat’s term in office – it reads like the legacy that Biden wants to see left behind. Starting with the corona pandemic, which ended during his term in office, to strengthening international partnerships, for example to support Ukraine, to efforts to reach a hostage deal between Israel and the Islamist Hamas.

Biden will also go down in history as the president who clung to the idea of ​​running for a second term in office, despite his old age and great concerns within his own party, instead of appointing a successor in time. Ultimately, he was extremely hesitant to hand over the Democratic candidacy to his Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost clearly to Trump.