Despite stepping down amid heavy criticism, Joe Biden says global leaders and lawmakers still call him for guidance. His remarks at a San Diego event sparked both surprise and backlash.
Biden Says His Phone Still Rings
Even after leaving the White House, former President Joe Biden insists he remains an informal advisor to global leaders. Speaking last week at the Society for Human Resource Management convention in San Diego, Biden told attendees that heads of state — particularly in Europe — continue to reach out to him privately.
“I’m getting calls… from a number of European leaders asking me to get engaged,” Biden said in conversation with SHRM President Johnny Taylor, according to The Western Journal. “I’m not [getting involved], but I’m giving advice. Because things are different.”
A clip of the exchange, shared on X by Democratic strategist Chris Jackson, shows Biden alternating between soft-spoken remarks and impassioned declarations.
“If America Doesn’t Lead, Who Can?”
During the event, Biden posed a rhetorical question he often raised during his presidency:
“If America doesn’t lead the world, who can? Not a joke. Not because of power. Who can put it together?”
Biden also said he fields calls from members of both parties on Capitol Hill. “I’m dealing with a lot of Democrats and Republican colleagues, all of them wanting to talk,” he added. “Not because they think I have the answer, just to bounce things off me.”
But the remarks took an unusual turn when Biden suddenly referenced his personal life: “I’m also laying rubber with my ’67 Corvette on my driveway,” he quipped, drawing mixed reactions online.
Critics Question His Relevance
The comments quickly drew fire from critics, who see them as another example of Biden being out of touch. His presidency ended under mounting pressure from within his own party, amid rising inflation, soaring gas prices, and an unresolved border crisis.
His administration also faced controversies, including:
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The impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
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Questions surrounding Hunter Biden
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Preemptive pardons issued for Hunter Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci, some signed by autopen
A recent ICE report further fueled scrutiny, highlighting failures in vetting sponsors for unaccompanied migrant children.
Legacy or Delusion?
Analysts remain divided on Biden’s latest claims. Supporters say his decades of political experience make him a natural sounding board. Critics argue his credibility was badly damaged by the end of his presidency.
“Given the chaos, confusion, and credibility issues that dogged the final years of his presidency, the idea that foreign leaders are still seeking his wisdom is… bold,” one political analyst remarked.
Whether Biden is truly a behind-the-scenes advisor or simply reshaping his legacy in retirement, one thing is certain: his words are still sparking debate.