Biden Issues Stark Warning About Threats to Democracy and Rule of Law in Chicago Speech

During a speech to the National Bar Association in Chicago on July 31, former President Joe Biden delivered a strongly worded critique of the current political climate, highlighting concerns about the state of American democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law. While he did not explicitly mention Donald Trump, his remarks clearly targeted recent administrative actions that threaten judicial independence and marginalized communities. Biden emphasized that the nation is experiencing internal threats to its democratic foundations, criticizing a complicit Republican Congress and certain law firms for compromising constitutional principles. He called on legal professionals to defend voting rights, civil liberties, and an independent judiciary, framing the current period as a pivotal moment reminiscent of the civil rights movement. This speech represents one of Biden's most urgent warnings since leaving office, echoing earlier concerns about rising oligarchic influence, disinformation, and weakened democratic institutions. He concluded by urging the legal community to stand as the final safeguard against the erosion of rights, asserting that the preservation of the law is essential fo...