Biden’s Swan Song: Oligarchs and Omissions

High in theatrics, low in facts.

Joe Biden delivered his farewell address on Wednesday, January 15. It was a masterclass in avoiding accountability and contained more than a dash of hypocrisy. As the soon-to-be ex-president warned of dangers ahead and the corruption of uniquely American rights, one might be forgiven for thinking he was dissecting someone else’s presidency. From the influence of oligarchs to the lament for the Fourth Estate, Mr. Biden signally ignored his own failings in these areas and took a parting shot at the president-elect.

Family, Friends, and Fools

There’s a warning that goes hand in hand with pyramid schemes: Ignore the first rush of success because you’re selling to family, friends, or fools, and once they’re gone, you have no customer base. Biden’s address was uniquely aimed at those who had already bought what he was selling.

Surrounded in the Oval Office by first lady Jill Biden, VP Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Hunter Biden, and a smattering of high-profile administration members, this was a curtain call for a theatrical production that will not have a new run on Broadway next season. It marked the end of 50 years of service for Mr. Biden that finished on a sour note.

Biden listed his accomplishments while in office and took a small victory lap over the Israel ceasefire deal that came to fruition earlier that day – while ignoring Donald Trump’s role in its achievement. Then began his stern warning to America over what could potentially lie ahead without his party atop the pyramid.

Biden’s Blinkers

“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said. The threat to democracy motif was back in play, but this time, not at the hands of the new president, but rather by those who surround him.

“We see the consequences all across America. And we’ve seen it before,” he continued, referencing robber barons. He said:

“You know, in his farewell address, President Eisenhower spoke of the dangers of the military-industrial complex. He warned us that about, and I quote, ‘The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power.’ Six days — six decades later, I’m equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech-industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country as well.”

The “tech-industrial complex” is certainly a catchy moniker, but delivering it this late in the game is a real headscratcher.

He Means Elon, Right?

Where was the concern for the trampling of rights during his administration? Apparently, the American public is expected to consign the notorious Twitter Files to the memory hole and forget that this president worked hand in hand with Big Tech to censor, deplatform, and remove from the town square of public debate any and all who disagreed with the prevalent government narrative. Biden warned:

“Americans are being buried in an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabled in the abuse of power. A free press is crumbling, editors are disappearing, social media’s giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies, both for power and profit.”

Watchful Americans might well recall that fact-checkers became obsolete during this administration because they failed to act impartially in favor of Mr. Biden and his party. It was to his service that they squandered their capital.

However, this was not his only swipe at Mr. Musk and President-elect Trump – although he refused to use either of their names. Biden further lambasted the proximity of wealthy individuals to the presidency. He said:

“In a democracy, there’s another danger to the concentration of power and wealth. It erodes a sense of unity and common purpose. It causes distrust and division. Participating in our democracy becomes exhausting and even disillusioning. We have to stay engaged in the process.”

It would appear the president means there should not be wealthy individuals coalescing around the power center. So why did Alex Soros, son and heir to George Soros, visit the Biden White House more than two dozen times? Why, also, would Biden not balk at the public perception of his vacations with billionaire friends at their private luxury estates?

It’s almost as though it’s ok for Biden because, in his eyes, he has a higher moral character and is, therefore, immune to the trapping that comes with such involvement. There are a number of House committees and investigations that would argue otherwise.

End of an Era?

As far as being the capstone of a political legacy, this address left a lot to be desired. Joe Biden treated his final moments on the world stage not as an opportunity to finally fulfill the promise of unity he delivered at his inauguration four years ago but as a bitter swipe at the man who made the most astonishing political comeback. It was not bidding goodbye but rather one final campaign pitch to elevate a legacy that has been found wanting.