Biden is Pivoting to His Legacy: He Speaks Monday at the LBJ Presidential Library
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, who recently made the significant decision to forgo a reelection bid, is set to visit the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, on Monday. This visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation championed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Biden's speech is expected to address critical issues, including proposed changes to the Supreme Court, such as term limits and an enforceable ethics code for justices, alongside a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting presidential immunity.
The timing of this visit carries profound symbolism, especially after Biden had to reschedule due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. Initially planned for July 15, the speech was viewed as a potential opportunity for Biden to rejuvenate his faltering presidential campaign, particularly in the home district of Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a long-serving congressman who was among the first to suggest Biden step aside. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically in the intervening weeks. With Biden now out of the race and Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the likely Democratic nominee, the focus has shifted from electoral ambitions to the legacy of Biden's presidency and the future of American democracy.
Biden's decision to withdraw from the race marks a historic moment; no sitting president has exited the race this late in the process since Johnson, who announced his decision not to seek reelection in March 1968 amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War. The parallels between Biden and Johnson are striking. Both presidents addressed the nation from the Oval Office to explain their decisions, facing internal party pressures to step aside. However, their motivations diverged significantly. Johnson's withdrawal was rooted in the demands of a contentious war, while Biden's decision stemmed from concerns about his age and viability against a formidable opponent in Donald Trump.
Biden has consistently framed Trump as a serious threat to democracy, particularly in light of the former president's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. In his Oval Office address, Biden articulated his belief that passing the torch to a new generation was essential for uniting the nation and safeguarding democracy, stating, “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.”
Biden's journey to the presidency in 2020 was catalyzed by the violent events at the “Unite The Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was appalled by Trump's response to the white supremacist violence. Throughout his presidency, Biden has prioritized civil rights and equity, exemplified by his selection of Kamala Harris as vice president, who represents a historic milestone as the first woman and person of color in that role.
His administration has taken significant steps to address racial discrimination, including pardoning individuals convicted of federal marijuana offenses and investing in historically Black colleges and universities. These efforts are part of Biden's broader agenda to advance civil rights and protect the achievements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
As Biden prepares to deliver his speech at the LBJ Library, he is expected to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the need for continued progress. Johnson, who signed the Civil Rights Act into law, emphasized the importance of unity and understanding in overcoming societal divisions. Biden echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the work that remains to be done in achieving true equality and justice.
In the final months of his presidency, Biden is determined to enact as much meaningful legislation as possible, including measures to expand voting rights and address police reform. He has vowed to defend personal freedoms and civil rights, asserting that there is no place for hate or violence in America.
Later on Monday, Biden will also honor the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Houston, further underscoring his commitment to civil rights and the legacy of those who have fought for justice. As he pivots to focus on his legacy, Biden's speech at the LBJ Presidential Library will serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of safeguarding democracy for future generations.