Biden Cheers Democratic Wins, Urges Underdogs to Fight On/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his first full political appearance since leaving office, former President Joe Biden delivered an energizing speech to Nebraska Democrats, urging them to keep fighting despite long odds. Reflecting on recent Democratic victories, Biden avoided discussing past defeats, instead promoting unity and middle-class values. His return was met with standing ovations and chants of support.
Biden’s Omaha Appearance Quick Looks
- Biden returns to the political stage at a Nebraska Democratic fundraiser in Omaha.
- Urges underdog Democrats to stay energized, despite GOP dominance in the state.
- Celebrates Democratic victories in New Jersey, Virginia, and elsewhere earlier in the week.
- Avoids discussing 2024 election loss, focuses on party values and recovery.
- Delivers personal anecdotes and humor, including reference to his age.
- Receives standing ovations and chants of “Thank you, Joe!” from 800 attendees.
- Andy Beshear praises Biden’s legacy, calling him a unifying leader.
- First political event since radiation therapy, no mention of health during speech.
- Biden promotes middle-class values, American unity, and global responsibility.
- Appearance fuels renewed Democratic enthusiasm ahead of 2026 House races.
Deep Look
Biden Urges Nebraska Democrats to Fight On in First Major Political Appearance Since Leaving Office
Former President Joe Biden made a spirited return to the political spotlight Friday night, rallying Nebraska Democrats with a message of resilience, unity, and determination in the face of Republican dominance. Speaking to a packed ballroom of 800 supporters at the Hilton in downtown Omaha, Biden cast a hopeful tone, encouraging the state’s Democratic base to keep pushing forward — even when the odds seem stacked against them.
“Did you see the results Tuesday?” he asked the crowd, triggering cheers as he celebrated a string of Democratic wins, from gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia to local victories in New York and California. His remarks came during the Ben Nelson Gala, a marquee event for Nebraska Democrats.
“You Know What It Feels Like to Be Outnumbered”
Acknowledging Nebraska’s longstanding Republican lean — the state hasn’t voted for a Democrat in a presidential election since 1964 — Biden embraced the role of motivator-in-chief.
“You know what it feels like to be outnumbered,” he told the audience, praising their continued efforts to make noise and drive turnout in local races.
Biden pointed to past successes, including Omaha electing its first Democratic mayor in over a decade and flipping its 2nd Congressional District electoral vote. These milestones, he said, show what perseverance and passion can achieve even in deep-red states.
Focus on Legacy, Not on 2024
While Biden highlighted the accomplishments of his single term — including managing the COVID-19 pandemic and launching an economic recovery — he steered clear of discussing his difficult final year in office. He made no direct reference to the chaotic 2024 election cycle or the controversial debate performance that many believe sealed his loss to Donald Trump.
Biden formally stepped aside in July 2024, after weeks of internal party debate and mounting pressure following the debate misstep. He endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, a decision Harris later reflected on in her memoir, saying close allies should have pushed Biden to step down sooner.
The closest Biden came to acknowledging the episode was through a self-deprecating quip: “I have the dubious distinction. I’m the youngest ever man elected to the U.S. Senate and I’m the oldest damn president.”
A Quiet Start, a Powerful Finish
Though Biden’s delivery was often subdued, and at times difficult to hear, he recovered momentum with moments of fiery rhetoric. His voice rose as he called for Americans to confront national flaws and fight for progress:
“What we have to do is repair our faults, and that’s what we began to do on Tuesday,” he said, referencing recent Democratic gains.
He returned to familiar themes from past campaigns — a strong middle class, equality for all Americans, and a vision of the U.S. as a global role model.
“These are principles we’ve never walked away from. And we’re not going to walk away from them now,” Biden said, drawing a standing ovation.
Silent on Personal Health
Friday’s speech was Biden’s second public appearance since completing radiation therapy for prostate cancer in October, a diagnosis he received after leaving office. He did not mention his health, and the only reference to cancer came in the form of a tribute to his late son Beau, who passed in 2015.
A Night of Respect and Revival
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, also attending the event, praised Biden’s leadership, saying he governed “not for red states, not for blue states but for the entire United States.” The comment drew another standing ovation, with Biden smiling modestly from his seat.
For Democrats in Nebraska, the night was more than a fundraiser — it was a moment of renewal.
As Biden wrapped up his speech, chants of “Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe!” echoed through the ballroom, suggesting his party hasn’t forgotten his decades of service — or the values he championed.
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