Joe Biden Says Leaders Still Call Him: Influence or Clinging to Relevance?
Joe Biden may have stepped away from the Oval Office, but according to him, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Speaking at a convention in San Diego, the former president claimed that world leaders and members of Congress continue to reach out for his perspective on politics and policy. His remarks, casual in tone but weighty in implication, have reignited debate over his lasting influence, his legacy, and whether he still holds sway in a political world eager to move forward.
Biden on Life After the Presidency
Asked about his post-White House life, Biden described himself as an unofficial adviser for global leaders. He said he regularly speaks with European officials about international affairs, though he emphasized that he holds no formal role.
“I get the calls,” Biden told the audience. “They still want to engage. They still ask me to weigh in, even if it’s unofficial.”
The audience responded with polite applause, but outside the event, reactions were divided. Supporters argued his decades of experience make him a natural sounding board. Critics dismissed the comments as exaggeration, pointing to the controversies that surrounded his presidency.
Biden also claimed that lawmakers from both political parties reach out for advice. According to him, these conversations range from policy to strategy to navigating personal relationships in Washington.
To defenders, this reflects Biden’s reputation as a pragmatic dealmaker and empathetic politician. To detractors, it suggests a man unwilling to step aside gracefully, clinging to relevance as new leaders rise.
The Corvette Comment That Went Viral
During his speech, Biden added an unusual aside about his beloved 1967 Corvette. “It’s like laying rubber with my ’67 Corvette,” he joked, suggesting he still has energy and drive. Instead of applause, the remark puzzled many and quickly went viral online. Critics seized on the comment as another example of Biden’s sometimes meandering communication style—a frequent point of contention during his time in office.
Analysts Weigh the Claim
Political analysts were quick to dissect the comments. One described Biden’s assertion that foreign leaders still consult him as a “bold claim,” pointing out the lack of evidence. Another suggested the significance lay less in whether the calls are real and more in the symbolism: Biden positioning himself as a relevant voice despite his exit from office.
His presidency, after all, was marked by both legislative achievements and stubborn challenges. While Biden championed infrastructure investment, climate initiatives, and pandemic recovery, his administration also faced persistent crises—from inflation to immigration—that eroded public confidence and shaped his decision not to seek a second term.
Supporters vs. Critics
To critics, those struggles outweigh his successes. “Why would European leaders be calling him?” one commentator asked. “His presidency ended in turmoil. They’re looking forward, not backward.”
Supporters counter that Biden’s longevity and connections make him a valuable resource. Having served as vice president for eight years and in the Senate for decades before that, he built deep relationships across the globe. For them, it’s not far-fetched that leaders might seek his advice even without formal authority.
The Question of Former Presidents’ Roles
The debate also raises a broader issue: how should former presidents engage after leaving office? Some retreat into memoirs and philanthropy, while others stay active in political conversations. Biden appears to be choosing the latter path, aiming to remain an elder statesman even without official power.
But that choice carries risks. Every word is scrutinized, and any misstep can overshadow his intended message. His allies argue that staying engaged is his responsibility after decades of service. His opponents insist that his time has passed.
Conclusion: Influence or Illusion?
Biden’s San Diego appearance did not redefine his legacy, but it offered a glimpse into how he views himself: not as a retired politician fading into history, but as a seasoned leader with wisdom to share. Whether those on the other end of the line truly seek his counsel—or whether the calls are more symbolic than real—remains unclear.
For now, Biden seems determined to remind the world that influence is not measured only by holding office. Sometimes, it’s measured by the conversations you claim to still have, the stories you tell, and the belief that your voice still matters.
