In his initial public address since leaving the White House, former President Joe Biden expressed deep personal insights on historical racial issues and the future of Social Security.
According to the New York Post, speaking at the ACRD conference, Biden discussed the impact of childhood observations on his political career and took a firm stance on the sanctity of Social Security.
The Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) held its conference on April 15, 2025, in Chicago, marking a notable moment as Biden took the stage for his first speech after the presidency. His opening, despite minor technical issues with loud music, transitioned into a reflective narrative from his past.
Biden shared vivid memories from his childhood after relocating from Scranton, PA, to Wilmington, DE. He recounted being in fourth grade and observing the reality of racial segregation. He specifically mentioned seeing "colored kids" being bussed past his school, an experience that deeply influenced his future legislative actions.
The former president explained that witnessing segregation firsthand was pivotal in his decision to co-sponsor the Americans with Disabilities Act later in his career. He articulated that these early memories drove him to work towards more inclusive policies.
In his speech, Biden humorously touched upon claims of exaggerated Social Security fraud, involving astonishingly old beneficiaries. "Those 300-year-old folk getting that Social Security, I want to meet them. I’d like to figure out how they live that long," joked Biden, highlighting his disbelief over some criticisms of the program.
Biden's commentary extended beyond humor as he addressed current political debates surrounding Social Security. He voiced a powerful critique of Republican efforts to modify the program, asserting that Social Security should be considered a "sacred promise" to Americans.
His stance on Social Security was clear and assertive. Biden stressed the program's role as more than just governmental assistance but as a fundamental promise to the citizens. “Social Security is more than a government program. It’s a sacred promise,” he firmly stated during his presentation.
The former President also expressed frustrations with those he felt were endangering this promise. “Who the hell do they think they are?” Biden remarked, reflecting his disdain for anyone who might threaten the integrity of Social Security.
Despite the serious tone of his speech, Biden’s delivery had moments of lightheartedness, which helped engage the audience. He briefly cautioned himself after delving deeply into controversial subjects, saying, "I will not go further. I’ll get in trouble," which elicited chuckles from the attendees.
Though the event was significant, it was not without its challenges. Initially, Biden had to contend with an awkward start as organizers struggled to manage the loud background music when he began to speak.
After delivering his speech, which ranged from heartfelt memories to robust political defenses, Biden showed a moment of disorientation. He paused, looking around widely, before making his way off the stage, a scene that underscored his venerable age and the high pressures of public speaking.
As the former president exited, the crowd at the ACRD conference reflected on his words, which not only recounted a personal journey from a past era of segregation but also laid bare the ongoing battles in the political arena, particularly concerning the sanctity of Social Security.
Joe Biden’s speech at the ACRD conference served as a reminder of his long-standing commitment to social issues and his readiness to defend key programs that support many Americans. Despite technical issues and a brief moment of disorientation, his message resonated with many about the importance of inclusivity and social welfare in American politics.