The outgoing president of the United States did not hide his emotion when his wife, Jill, listed his achievements during the farewell dinner for White House employees. She assessed that the four years of his presidency were something that was “breathtaking”.
Joe Biden will step down as president in January 2025 and hand over the office to the Republican president-elect Donald Trumpwho won the November elections.
During Friday's farewell dinner for White House staff, Biden said he “left the country in a better condition.”
– One thing I've always believed about public service, and especially about the presidency, is how important it is to ask ourselves whether we left the country in better shape than we found it. “I can say with all my heart that the answer to that question is a resounding yes,” Biden said.
– We managed to do it thanks to you – he said to the crowd.
Joe Biden in a moment of emotion ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Eastnews
“Breathtaking”
Biden's wife, Jill, also spoke during the farewell dinner. “What I have observed for over 40 years is extraordinary,” she said, turning to her husband.
“What you have done over the last 40 years, what you have done over the last four years is breathtaking,” she added. After these words, Joe Biden became visibly moved. He was unable to answer anything. He wiped his tears with a handkerchief.
Biden was also visibly moved at the end of August this year, after his daughter Ashley's speech at the Democratic Party convention in Chicago. Biden then walked on stage as thousands of gathered supporters applauded him. The president repeatedly said “thank you,” but was unable to interrupt them. He couldn't speak for a long time.
Main photo source: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Eastnews