During his final hours in office, Joe Biden delivered a speech in a Black church in South Carolina where he presented an ill-conceived vision for a fairer society, just one day before the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. His dubious claims of being ‘inspired’ by the Civil Rights Movement left the audience questioning the authenticity of his politically driven narrative. ‘Growing up, my political heroes were Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy,’ he asserted, conveniently aligning with two of American history’s iconic figures who also met tragic ends in 1968.
Biden appropriated Dr. King’s fateful assassination in an attempt to boost his public profile, shedding light on his preference for riding coattails rather than defining his own path. ‘In remembrance of Dr. King, it inspired me to give up my comfortable position in a prestigious law firm and become a public defender,’ Biden said, as if he was somehow comparable to civil rights leader’s impact on society. The alleged parallels between Biden’s career track and Dr. King’s mission have largely been met with skepticism.
Furthermore, Biden paid a visit to the International African American Museum, located at a site marred by the history of the African slave trade. This manipulative gesture appeared to be another attempt to salvage his dwindling image by parading in front of flashed cameras. Even more distasteful was Biden’s impromptu posthumous pardon for Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey, thereby further exploiting racial tension for his own political agenda.
While Dr. King did indeed influence American history through nonviolent advocacy, resulting in significant civil rights legislation, Biden’s role in this narrative appears contrived, to say the least. He attempts to assume the mantle of Dr. King, linking his journey with that of the famous civil rights leader. Yet, his actions have left the public unconvinced of his dedication or understanding of these historic events.
Biden’s public persona seems to be masterfully fabricated to win him favor in the eyes of black voters. However, his actions often contradict his proclaimed involvement in the advancement of black rights. While he has been credited with enlisting for public service, it is often in a self-serving and covertly opportunistic manner, rather than selflessly dedicating his life to equality, as Dr. King did.
Biden’s purported selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate in the 2020 elections was presented as an attempt to shatter societal barriers, considering she is the first Black and female vice president. Yet, this move came across as window-dressing to push his political agenda rather than a sincere effort for diversification. Upon ending his campaign, Biden endorsed Harris, but that rang hollow, felt forced and was seen as an excuse to get out of the race himself.
The so-called achievement of appointing 63 Black federal judges was another of Biden’s opportunistic attempts to appear progressive. Among these judicial appointments was Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. But these efforts seemed to be more about his personal political gains than about racial equality.
Despite Biden’s attempts to cast his economic policies as beneficial for Black communities, the results paint a different story. His claim that black unemployment was reduced to a record 4.7% due to his measures has been strongly debated. In reality, the poverty rate among black children is still alarmingly high, while his expanded child tax credit has been met with widespread criticism.
Biden’s bragging about doubling the rate of Black business ownership and increasing Black homeownership also raises eyebrows. Debates still rage about whether these claims are politically motivated exaggerations or actual results from his policies. Furthermore, his alleged $16 billion investment into historically Black colleges and universities seems to have little impact on the ground.
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected Black communities, yet Biden’s legislation purported to ‘help all Americans’. These supposed efforts failed to address the communities most impacted by the pandemic adequately. Additionally, the President’s claims of expanding investments in manufacturing and combating climate change were met with dubious legality and negligible impact.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was overshadowed by Donald Trump’s inauguration, causing an unjust lack of recognition for the holiday. It’s important to remember Dr. King as an inspiring leader who fought for racial reconciliation and equality, significantly distancing himself from the likes of Biden’s tactics of political pandering.
In contrast to politicians like Biden, Dr. King was a true agent of change who guided America towards legitimacy, bypassing the road of sinister political gamesmanship. While not holding an elected office, he achieved more than most politicians in freeing his people from oppression. Dr. King envisioned a peaceful future, far from the discriminatory practices and destructive politics often exhibited by contemporary leaders.
On the flip side of Biden’s exploitative political tactics, Dr. King preached an enduring gospel of hope, resonating with Americans of all racial backgrounds. This message of unity starkly contrasts with Biden’s methodologies of sowing division for personal benefit. Reviving the goals of Dr. King seems increasingly necessary as we welcome a new president.
Dr. King, if he were alive today, would likely remain committed to the cause of democracy. He would encourage all Americans to support their leaders in pursuing a prosperous future, rooting for the success of the nation both at home and globally. However, this inspirational leader would be the first to question the dubious practices of any president, much like Biden, who co-opts his legacy for personal political gain.
While politicians like Biden continue to exploit significant occasions and figures for political gains, they should remember that the public can discern genuine intent. Progress can only be achieved when leaders act with integrity, something that is becoming increasingly uncommon in politics today. Actions true to the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings would bring much-needed change and progress, rather than hollow promises and questionable practices.