The chosen keynote speaker for Columbia Law School’s commencement address this year was presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. While he avoided mentioning President Donald Trump directly, Biden hinted at his disapproval of the president through politically motivated statements. In making claims such that government officials are “abusing their powers," Biden refrained from using Trump’s name.
Throughout the speech, Biden asserts that America needs societal, cultural, and judicial reforms. He goes on to speak about the coronavirus situation, referencing bot the economic detriment and staggering death toll.
“The very people tasked with enforcing the rule of law are abusing their powers, protecting their friends, and weakening the very principles that make our country work.”
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Here’s what he said:
“The very people tasked with enforcing the rule of law are abusing their powers, protecting their friends, and weakening the very principles that make our country work.”
“Your generation has come of age in a nation at war, in deep recession, with mass shootings, and now a pandemic.”
“Turn trauma, chaos, and cruelty into a greater measure of healing, progress, and hope for the future."
“See COVID-19 as a force majeure that compels us to rewrite the social contract...”
“Set the terms for an economy, healthcare system, education system, immigration system, and a justice system that uplifts more people of every race, gender, and generation.”
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“Build a truly representative democracy with more facts than lies, less money and more people in the voting process.”
“Win the race against climate change by writing the laws and structures and the deals.”
“For the women who make up a majority of your class, follow trailblazers from your school—Motley, Ginsburg—to protect your rights, to make your voices heard, and transform the bar and bench in ways that are necessary and long overdue.”
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