“A Defeated President”: Biden Reflects On Trump’s 2020 Election Loss

President Joe Biden, wearing a tuxedo and black bow tie, took the stage at the 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner to the sounds of Jackie Wilson’s “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher.” He was honored with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Before Biden’s arrival, Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., chair of the foundation’s board of directors, praised the president for his efforts to “amplify Black voices” and his role as a “champion for justice.” She said that Biden “will go down in history as one of the most consequential leaders of our generation.”

Rep. Steven Horsford (D., Nev.), the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, noted that Biden made good on his commitment to nominate the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighted that Biden fulfilled his promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The president reflected on his 2020 election, reminding the audience that “Donald Trump lost and became a defeated president.” He spoke about the upcoming election and his work alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “The past four years we’ve shown democracy can deliver for our people.”

Biden then outlined key achievements from his administration, focusing on their impact on the Black community, including economic recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of Black-owned small businesses, and a reduction in child poverty.

“Yes we are better off today than we were four years ago,” Biden said.

“It’s Wrong, It’s Got to Stop”: Biden Denounces Violence Against Haitian Americans

The president referenced recent attacks on Haitian Americans in Springfield, Ohio, condemning the violence. “It’s wrong, it’s got to stop,” Biden said.

Quoting Psalm 37, he added, “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken.” He also recalled serving in Congress with Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress.

Biden highlighted his work with the nation’s first Black president, Barack Obama, and his decision to choose Kamala Harris as vice president. “God willing, she’ll become the first woman president of the United States of America,” he said, prompting cheers.

He continued by expressing his belief that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., would become the first Black Speaker of the House, which drew more applause.

Biden encouraged the audience to “keep the faith,” reminding them that “faith without works is dead.” He emphasized his trust in Harris, stating, “I know her. I trust her,” and said he would be proud to see her sworn in as the next president of the United States.