Former President Joseph R. Biden said America is in the midst of “dark days” under President Trump as he hailed those who’ve resisted the current commander-in-chief.
In his first public appearance since completing a round of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, Mr. Biden was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston. Mr. Biden served alongside Mr. Kennedy in the Senate for more than three decades.
“Friends, I can’t sugarcoat any of this. These are dark days,” Mr. Biden said in the Sunday night speech, according to a video released by the Institute.
Mr. Biden predicted the country would “find our true compass again” and “emerge as we always have — stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith.”
“Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world,” Mr. Biden said. “The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than any dictator.”
The 82-year-old former president praised people whom he said are standing up to the Trump administration, including federal employees who’ve resigned in protest, universities that have pushed back and late-night comedians who’ve been targeted by Mr. Trump.
“The late-night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech, knowing their careers are on the line,” Mr. Biden said.
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was briefly pulled off the air last month following his inflammatory comments about the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Another late-night host, Stephen Colbert, had his show canceled by CBS amid relentless criticism of Mr. Trump.
“America is not a fairy tale,” Mr. Biden said Sunday. “For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull, an existential struggle between peril and possibility.”
He concluded his speech by urging the American people to “get back up.”
Mr. Biden left office in January after serving one term. He dropped his bid for reelection following his disastrous debate against Mr. Trump and concerns about his cognitive ability.
In May, Mr. Biden’s post-presidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bones.
His office said last week he had completed a round of radiation treatment in his battle against cancer. A spokesperson for Mr. Biden said the former president is “doing well.”
