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# The Final Days of Biden's Presidency: A Legacy in the Making
In Angola's warm, stuffy room, President Biden briefly rested his head in his hand as African leaders delivered their speeches. At 82, the transcontinental journey had taken its toll, yet he remained proud to be the first U.S. president to make this historic visit, highlighting a new U.S.-backed railway project aimed at transforming African economies.
As Biden approaches the end of his presidency following his defeat to Donald Trump in the race against Kamala Harris, he's determined to cement his legacy and "sprint to the finish line," as his chief of staff Jeffrey D. Zients puts it. Despite the physical demands of the job showing more visibly with each passing day, Biden continues to pursue an ambitious agenda in his final weeks.
Pursuing Final Achievements
The president has been methodically checking off items from his presidential bucket list. His groundbreaking visits to Angola and the Amazon rainforest mark historic firsts for a U.S. president. However, his most significant remaining goal is securing a cease-fire in Gaza, which would serve as a crowning achievement for his departing administration.
The administration has focused intensely on implementing previously approved legislation. According to Zients, they've allocated approximately 98% of the funds from Biden's major legislative achievements, including the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
The Physical Toll
Recent trips have highlighted the challenges facing the octogenarian president. During his Amazon visit, observers noted his careful movements in the humid conditions. In Angola, President João Lourenço assisted Biden up a step during an arrival ceremony. At the National Museum of Slavery, artifacts were brought outside rather than having the president navigate the building's steep stairs, though the White House maintains this was due to scheduling rather than physical limitations.
Maintaining Command
Despite these visible signs of age, those working closely with Biden insist he remains sharp and engaged. During crucial meetings, including a 90-minute briefing before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Rio de Janeiro, he demonstrated thorough command of complex issues. He continues to be actively involved in international diplomacy, making calls to world leaders regarding the Lebanon cease-fire and Syria's situation.
A Different Kind of Exit
Unlike his predecessor, Biden has chosen a traditional transition approach, maintaining relative silence on his successor's controversial statements and actions. This adherence to presidential norms has drawn some criticism from allies who wish he would more forcefully defend his legacy and challenge Trump's rhetoric.
The president has significantly reduced his public engagement, rarely taking questions from journalists. His recent Africa trip yielded just 14 words in response to reporters' questions, while his South America visit produced only one. However, he delivered a significant "legacy speech" at the Brookings Institution, outlining his economic achievements despite battling hoarseness throughout the presentation.
Looking Ahead
As Biden enters his final weeks in office, his team remains focused on several key priorities: pursuing peace in Gaza, confirming more judges, and expanding student debt relief programs. As Jared Bernstein, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, noted, "He's not looking for a statue. He's looking for a better policy that uplifts the middle class and steers us away from trickle down."
In these twilight days of his presidency, Biden appears determined to finish strong, even as the spotlight increasingly shifts to his successor. It's a poignant end to a half-century political journey that has seen its share of triumphs and challenges, with the president choosing to exit the stage with traditional grace, even as the political landscape around him undergoes dramatic change.
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