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Former President Joe Biden delivered a fiery rebuke of President Donald Trump and celebrated recent Democratic electoral victories during his address at the Nebraska Democratic Party’s “Ben Nelson Gala” in Omaha on Friday.
“The Democratic Party is back. That’s not hyperbole,” Biden declared to attendees. “Did you see the election results?”
The 82-year-old former president referenced the party’s recent string of wins, including Democratic gubernatorial victories by Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Virginia. He also highlighted Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected mayoral win in New York City. These successes come just one year after former Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat to Trump in the 2024 presidential race—a contest that Biden stepped away from following a widely criticized debate performance.
Throughout his speech, Biden leveled sharp criticism at Trump’s leadership, accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and catering to wealthy interests rather than serving the broader public.
“I just want you to know you work for us, Mr. President. We don’t work for you,” Biden said. “You work for us, not just billionaires and millionaires. This is democracy. And the fact of the matter is that there are no kings in democracies. None. None. But you act in a way that embarrasses the nation.”
Biden, who appeared with a bandage on his head as he continues treatment for stage four prostate cancer diagnosed earlier this year, painted a stark picture of Trump’s healthcare policies. He warned that more than 300 rural hospitals across America, including two in Nebraska, face potential closure. “Folks, I’ve never said this my whole career. I think it’s immoral. It’s un-American. It’s flat-out wrong,” Biden stated.
The former president made the healthcare issue personal, reflecting on his family’s experiences with cancer. “I know what cancer research means. Cancer. It’s every family. It hit my family hard, just as so many of yours,” Biden said, referencing his son Beau, who died from brain cancer after serving in Iraq. In a poignant moment, Biden added that Beau “should have been the president, not me.”
Biden also criticized Trump’s controversial renovation project at the White House, which has included demolishing the East Wing to build a ballroom. “When I left the presidency, President Trump was going to take a wrecking ball to the country, but I had no idea it would be an actual wrecking ball,” Biden quipped, calling it “the perfect symbol of his presidency.”
Food security represented another point of contention, with Biden accusing Trump of “deliberately making hunger worse” while claiming that “one in five children go to bed hungry every night.” He specifically condemned what he characterized as the administration’s hypocrisy, referencing a recent “Great Gatsby” themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago.
“On Friday, everyone dressed up like the rich folks they are from the Roaring Twenties and on Saturday he cut assistance to 40 million Americans,” Biden said, suggesting the contrast revealed Trump’s true priorities.
The speech comes amid a partial government shutdown and ongoing political divisions over federal spending priorities. Biden urged Republicans to end the shutdown, highlighting the real-world consequences for Americans depending on government services.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Biden’s remarks.
Biden’s Nebraska appearance marks his continued presence in Democratic Party politics despite his cancer diagnosis and departure from the 2024 presidential race. His vocal criticism of the administration suggests he intends to remain an influential voice in opposition to Trump’s second term.
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17 Comments
The Democratic Party’s resurgence is an interesting development, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see more concrete policy proposals and a clear vision for the country. Rhetoric is one thing, but governing is another.
Biden’s speech seems to strike a defiant tone, challenging Trump’s leadership and priorities. While I may not always align with his views, I respect his passion and commitment to public service.
Well said. Even for those of us who may not be staunch Democrats, it’s refreshing to see a politician speak with such conviction about the importance of democratic institutions and serving the broader public.
Hmm, I wonder how the Republicans will respond to Biden’s claims of a Democratic resurgence. Their recent losses in key races could be a wake-up call, but they’ll likely try to counter-message aggressively.
You raise a fair point. The GOP will probably try to downplay or dismiss Biden’s remarks as partisan rhetoric. But the election results do seem to indicate shifting voter sentiments.
The Democratic Party’s recent string of wins is certainly noteworthy, but it remains to be seen whether this translates into lasting change. Partisan politics can be fickle, and the Republicans will undoubtedly mount a fierce response.
Biden’s references to his late son Beau add a personal touch to the speech, humanizing his political rhetoric. While I may not agree with all of his policy positions, I respect his willingness to share these emotional moments.
Agreed, the Beau references provide a poignant backdrop to Biden’s remarks. It’s a reminder that politicians are also human beings with personal experiences that shape their worldviews.
The Democratic Party’s recent wins, especially in traditionally Republican strongholds, are certainly noteworthy. I’ll be interested to see if this momentum can be maintained heading into the next election cycle.
Agreed, it will be crucial for the Democrats to build on these victories and translate them into lasting support. Sustaining voter enthusiasm is often the challenge.
Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York City is an intriguing development. I’m curious to learn more about his policy platform and how he plans to govern. Democratic socialist candidates have had mixed success, so this bears watching.
The Democratic Party’s recent successes, including Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win in New York City, are certainly noteworthy. It will be interesting to see if this momentum can be sustained and translated into meaningful policy changes.
Biden’s comments on Trump undermining democratic institutions are concerning. While I try to stay objective, I share his worries about the potential damage done to the political process. Curious to see if this becomes a key issue going forward.
Biden’s call for the president to work for the people, not the other way around, is a sentiment I can respect. Regardless of one’s political leanings, the idea of public servants truly serving the public interest is an important principle.
Well put. Maintaining a government that is accountable to the people is crucial for the health of any democracy, regardless of which party is in power.
Interesting to see Biden reflect on Beau and the Democrats’ recent electoral wins. While I don’t always agree with his politics, it’s good to see him speak passionately about the party’s resurgence.
Agreed, it’s an emotive speech that taps into the party’s momentum. The references to Beau and democratic institutions add a personal touch.