President Joe Biden, who recently decided not to run for reelection, is scheduled to visit the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, Monday. This visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson. Originally planned for July 15 but postponed due to Biden contracting COVID-19, this speech was initially intended as an opportunity for Biden to boost his struggling presidential campaign. However, circumstances have changed dramatically since then.
Following his withdrawal from the presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris is now the probable Democratic nominee, and Biden is concentrating on the legacy of his single term and the future of democracy. Notably, no sitting American president has withdrawn from the race as late as Biden did. He has drawn parallels to Lyndon Johnson, who made a similar decision in 1968 during the Vietnam War era.
Biden’s decision to step down was influenced by concerns within his party about his age and ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Viewing Trump as a grave threat to democracy, especially after the events of the 2020 election, Biden emphasized the importance of unity within his party to safeguard democracy. His administration has prioritized civil rights and equity, appointing Kamala Harris as the first woman, Black person, and individual of South Asian descent to hold the vice presidency.
Throughout his presidency, Biden has focused on addressing racial discrimination, including pardoning individuals with federal marijuana convictions disproportionately affecting people of color and investing in historically Black colleges and universities. His administration has also worked on issues like combating discrimination in real estate and funding projects to reconnect racially segregated city neighborhoods.
Biden aims to push the nation forward and protect civil rights achievements like the 1964 Civil Rights Act, signed by President Johnson to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Johnson emphasized the importance of unity and progress in civil rights and called for more action during a civil rights symposium in 1972.
Looking ahead to the remaining months of his term, Biden plans to focus on major legislation to expand voting rights and enact a federal police reform bill named after George Floyd. He remains committed to defending personal freedoms, civil rights, and denouncing hate and extremism in any form. Additionally, Biden will visit Houston to pay respects to the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 74.
