President Joe Biden delivered a cough-ridden speech at the prestigious Brookings Institution, addressing his economic legacy and reflecting on past decisions.
According to the Daily Mail, Biden admitted during his economic legacy speech that not putting his signature on COVID-19 relief checks in 2021 was a "stupid" move that may have contributed to his declining popularity among American voters.
The President's admission came during a speech that faced multiple interruptions, including technical difficulties with his teleprompter and moments where he had to pause to address his apparent cold.
During his address, Biden compared his approach to that of former President Donald Trump, who had signed the stimulus checks during his administration, suggesting this simple act of branding may have helped Trump connect with recipients.
The White House positioned this speech as a pivotal moment for Biden to cement his economic legacy despite recent polls indicating voter dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy. Biden's administration has overseen several significant economic bills, including the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act, and the $891 billion Inflation Reduction Act.
Biden's top economic adviser, Jared Bernstein, later clarified that the President's comments about the unsigned checks were made in jest. The administration aimed to establish clear benchmarks for evaluating the incoming administration's performance, particularly given Trump's criticism of the current economic situation.
Outside the Brookings Institution, protesters gathered, chanting "Genocide Joe" in reference to Biden's Middle East policies, while inside, the President battled through various technical difficulties and health-related interruptions.
Biden issued stark warnings about potential economic policies under a second Trump administration. He specifically criticized Trump's proposed 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico, as well as additional tariffs on Chinese imports.
The President expressed particular concern about Project 2025, a conservative Heritage Foundation initiative outlining an agenda for Trump's potential second term. Although Trump has distanced himself from this project during his campaign, Biden remained apprehensive about its possible implementation.
Biden stated his position on Trump's proposed policies, saying:
I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025, I think it'd be an economic disaster.
The speech also highlighted Biden's economic achievements, including the creation of 16 million jobs during his administration, the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years, and the smallest racial wealth gap in two decades.
President Biden's speech at the Brookings Institution represented a critical moment in his presidency, combining reflection on past decisions with warnings about future economic policies. His admission about the unsigned COVID relief checks highlighted the intersection of policy implementation and political messaging.
The event underscored the complex challenges facing the administration, from technical difficulties and health concerns to protestor opposition and economic policy debates. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Biden's economic legacy remains a central point of discussion in American political discourse.
