Joe Biden's speech even wowed his critics: 'Biden crushed expectations'
Joe Biden gave the biggest speech of his career on Thursday night when he accepted the Democratic nomination for president. "The current president's cloaked America in darkness for far too long," the former vice president said. "Too much anger, too much fear, too much division. I will draw on the best of us, not the worst. … And make no mistake, united we can and will overcome this season of darkness."
The speech earned rave reviews, with former President Barack Obama's chief speechwriter Cody Keenan calling it "easily Joe Biden's best speech. He rose to the moment in a big way." Added Politico's chief political correspondent Tim Alberta, "We're watching an old ballplayer whose skills have diminished turn in a career-best performance in the biggest game of his life. Remarkable to witness."
The speech even received praise by some across the aisle. Conservative commentator Erick Erickson tweeted, "Biden exceeded expectations. That was a fine speech." Rich Lowry, editor of the National Review, agreed, tweeting: "Forceful, energetic delivery, strongest when portraying his program as all about jobs, speech lost focus in the second half — but overall, probably helped himself." Guy Benson, the political editor of Townhall, said simply: "Biden crushed expectations."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Even those who've known Biden for years were in awe. "After Biden mopped the floor with Paul Ryan in 2012 VP debate, I looked at him and said 'you will never have a better performance than tonight,'" tweeted Jim Messina, Obama's 2012 campaign manager. "I was wrong. Tonight is better."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Living the 'pura vida' in Costa Rica
The Week Recommends From thick, tangled rainforest and active volcanoes to monkeys, coatis and tapirs, this is a country with plenty to discover
By Dominic Kocur Published
-
Without Cuba, US State Sponsors of Terrorism list shortens
The Explainer How the remaining three countries on the U.S. terrorism blacklist earned their spots
By David Faris Published
-
Codeword: January 21, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Without Cuba, US State Sponsors of Terrorism list shortens
The Explainer How the remaining three countries on the U.S. terrorism blacklist earned their spots
By David Faris Published
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
DeSantis appoints Florida's top lawyer to US Senate
Speed Read The state's attorney general, Ashley Moody, will replace Sen. Marco Rubio in the Senate
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Democrats have many electoral advantages'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Five things Biden will be remembered for
The Explainer Key missteps mean history may not be kind to the outgoing US president
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Pam Bondi downplays politics at confirmation hearing
Speed Read Trump's pick for attorney general claimed her Justice Department would not prosecute anyone for political reasons
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Biden warns of oligarchy in farewell address
Speed Read The president issued a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power in the hands of the ultra-wealthy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'The world is watching this deal closely'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published