The Looming Presence of Mortality: Joe Biden’s Final Weeks in Office
As Joe Biden’s time in office comes to a close, he is expected to deliver a eulogy for the first presidential candidate he endorsed as a young senator. This unique circumstance has raised questions about the fate of his presidential legacy and how he will be remembered. The 82-year-old president, who has spoken about the significance of fate, endings, and mortality, has long thought about his own legacy and the prospect of his funeral.
Biden has approved a plan for his own funeral, which will be a state funeral at the National Cathedral, featuring a procession and a eulogy. While he has spoken about his life’s ambition of being president and has accomplished much during his tenure, he knows that his legacy is not without its challenges.
The funeral for Jimmy Carter, the first president he endorsed, has also had an impact on Biden’s mental state. According to a former aide, Carter’s funeral serves as a reminder of the reality of mortality, and Biden has been grappling with the idea of his own passing. The sudden cancellation of a planned trip to see Pope Francis has also caused concern among those close to the president.
In the midst of his final weeks in office, Biden is said to be engaged and focused on his work, particularly on the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and his efforts to ensure the success of his infrastructure agenda. Despite this, he knows that his legacy is not without its challenges, particularly in the wake of his electoral defeat and the rise of his successor, Donald Trump.
For Biden, who has always talked about his deep belief in fate, the uncertainty of his future is a concern. He is aware that time will shed more light on his accomplishments, and he hopes that his legacy will be remembered favorably. Ultimately, the significance of his eulogy at Carter’s funeral serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the impact that each person has on the world around them.
