Biden to Deliver Farewell Address After Securing Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

President Biden will give his farewell address at 8 p.m. ET from the Oval Office, reflecting on his political career while celebrating a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. He expressed his motivations for the presidency in a letter, emphasizing the significance of his service. Mixed public perceptions about his presidency were noted, with a Gallup poll revealing that a majority view him as below average or poor.

President Joe Biden is poised to deliver his farewell address to the nation at 8 p.m. ET from the Oval Office, coinciding with his achievement of a significant foreign policy milestone—a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Reportedly, ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce noted that Biden will celebrate this accomplishment, which he has worked on for over a year, on the eve of his departure from office.

In a letter to the American populace, Biden expressed his motivations for seeking the presidency and reflected on his four-year tenure. He stated, “I ran for president because I believed that the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake. And, that’s still the case.”

Biden described his role as president as a profound privilege, emphasizing his humble beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He shared, “I have given my heart and my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.”

The address follows the announcement of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, after months of domestic criticism amid the international conflict. Biden noted that while the negotiations were among the most challenging of his career, he felt a sense of deep satisfaction with the outcome:
“This has been time of real turmoil in the Middle East, but as I prepare to leave office, our friends are strong, our enemies are weak and there’s a genuine opportunity for a new future.”

As President Biden prepares to transition power to President-elect Donald Trump, he reflects on his foreign and domestic policies. His Oval Office address is expected to appeal to a broader audience as he considers his legacy during his time in office.

Public perception of Biden’s presidency is mixed, with a recent Gallup poll showing that 54% of Americans believe he will be remembered as a “below average” or “poor” president. Conversely, 19% think he will be remembered positively, while 26% view him as “average.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the upcoming address as a significant moment for the President, stating, “It is not just about the last four years of his administration; he is stepping down from his career. More than 50 years of public service… so, you can imagine the president has a lot to say.”

President Joe Biden’s upcoming farewell address coincides with the announcement of a major foreign policy success, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, achieved after over a year of intensive negotiations. This address marks not only a reflection of his presidency but also a culmination of over fifty years of public service that began from a modest upbringing. The speech aims to summarize his tenure and contemplate his legacy as he transitions power to the incoming president.

In conclusion, President Biden’s farewell address encapsulates his reflections on a long political career and celebrates the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. It highlights his dedication to the nation and seeks to assess his legacy as he prepares to leave office amid mixed public sentiment regarding his presidency. The address serves as a critical moment for the President to articulate his thoughts and leave a lasting message for the American people.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com