Biden warns of “dark days,” urges Americans to stay hopeful
Former President Joe Biden called on Americans to “get up” and stay optimistic amid deep political divisions, speaking at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in Boston, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In his first public appearance since completing radiation therapy for prostate cancer, Biden warned of “dark days” and accused President Donald Trump of attacking free speech and testing executive power. Still, he insisted America is “more powerful than any dictator.”
Biden praised those standing up to Trump, including late-night hosts defending free speech after comedian Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash for remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“America is not a fairy tale,” Biden said. “For 250 years, it’s been a struggle between peril and possibility. But we always emerge stronger.”
A White House spokesperson responded, saying the “real dark days” occurred under Biden’s leadership, citing immigration, inflation, and gender policy issues.