Former President Biden to Speak at ACRD Conference, His First Major Public Address Post-Presidency

Former President Biden to Speak at ACRD Conference, His First Major Public Address Post-Presidency

Former President Joe Biden is set to deliver what is described as his first significant public speech since leaving the Oval Office. He will speak at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled, known as ACRD, on Tuesday. The keynote address will take place in Chicago, where attendees are eager to hear Biden’s insights.

Rachel Buck, the executive director of ACRD, expressed gratitude for Biden’s participation in the event. She stated, “We are deeply honored President Biden is making his first public appearance at ACRD’s sold-out conference.” This enthusiastic welcome underscores the importance of the event, which draws disability advocates from across the nation.

Discussion on Crucial Topics

ACRD is committed to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities. Biden will address pivotal issues surrounding Social Security, emphasizing the need for reform to adequately support Americans who rely on these services. Buck noted, “As bipartisan leaders have long agreed, Americans who retire after paying into Social Security deserve the vital support and caring services they receive.”

The former president is expected to speak at approximately 5 p.m. ET, marking a notable return to the public stage. Despite this being his first identified major address, Biden has made other public appearances since leaving office on January 20. He spoke at the National High School Model United Nations in March and attended an event with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers earlier this month.

ACRD’s Mission and Vision

The Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled organization aims to empower disability professionals through essential resources and training. They strive to lead the industry forward by equipping representatives with technological proficiency, leadership skills, and valuable networking opportunities. Their mission aligns closely with the themes Biden will address during his speech.

Key Participants Joining Biden

Joining Biden at the conference are notable figures including Senator Roy Blunt from Missouri, former Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan, and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who also served as the Social Security Administrator. This diverse group will engage in discussions focused on enhancing the Social Security system to meet the evolving needs of Americans.

Blunt highlighted the necessity for discussions on more efficient system operations. He commented that the conversations will aim to “reduce red tape, strengthen claims processing, and ensure unnecessary spending is eliminated.” His remarks indicate a growing concern about the efficiency and effectiveness of Social Security programs.

O’Malley elaborated on the significance of Social Security, stating, “Social Security is a sacred promise between generations. It ensures dignity in retirement, security after tragedy, and support for those with disabilities.” His comments reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that these systems remain robust and reliable for future generations.

Biden’s Public Life Since Leaving Office

Since stepping down on January 20, when President Donald Trump was inaugurated, Biden has remained largely out of the public eye. His last official acts included granting pardons to several family members. Although Biden has emerged for some events, his next major speech marks a pivotal moment for his public engagement.

Challenges Ahead in the Political Landscape

Biden was initially positioned to run against Trump again during the 2024 presidential election. However, in July, concerns regarding his mental acuity and age prompted him to withdraw from the race. After stepping down, he passed the torch to Kamala Harris, his then-vice president. Unfortunately, she was unable to garner the necessary support to defeat Trump following just over 100 days in the campaign.

Since his presidency, Biden and his family have attended a variety of public events, including a recent visit to a Broadway production of “Othello” and a trip to California’s Santa Barbara County. These events reflect a transition back to public life while continuing to build relationships within the Democratic Party.

Focus on the Future

In the months following his presidency, Biden has been dividing his time between Delaware and Washington, D.C. He is reportedly working on his upcoming memoir while engaging with Democratic leaders. Conversations with individuals like DNC Chair Ken Martin demonstrate his ongoing commitment to the party and its future direction.

As Biden prepares for his keynote address to the ACRD, the anticipation builds among attendees eager to hear his thoughts on Social Security and disability advocacy. Fox Digital reached out for additional comments from Biden’s office, but there was no immediate response.