On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, President Joe Biden visited Manhattan to declare the Hudson Tunnel Project officially underway. This occasion was expected to be a straightforward address focused on garnering local support, where Biden would express favorable sentiments towards the relevant interest groups and depart without incident.
However, the event took an unexpected turn. During his speech, Biden appeared to experience a moment of confusion, abruptly raising his voice and exclaiming, “NAME ME A TIME!” He elaborated, stating, “There’s nothing we can’t do. Nothing. When has America ever set a goal that it didn’t achieve? When has it ever…name me a time, NAME ME A TIME! When America has faced a challenge and didn’t emerge stronger on the other side?”
Interestingly, the content of Biden’s speech prior to this outburst was quite commendable. Instead of veering into discussions about marginalized groups or other progressive themes, he focused on advocating for American manufacturing and industry.
The relevant excerpt from his speech surrounding the outburst is as follows (emphasis added): “Where is it written that America can’t lead the world again in manufacturing? Where is that written? Furthermore, we have private major investments totaling $300 billion in just one industry—semiconductors—creating substantial job opportunities in American manufacturing.”
He remarked, “For four decades, we focused on importing goods while exporting jobs. Now, America is in a position to export goods and generate employment. Although there remains significant work to be done in modernizing our rail systems, I would like to conclude with this thought. Americans are witnessing these projects emerging nationwide, which conveys a crucial message: when we collaborate, as demonstrated in the bipartisan legislation and the CHIPS Act, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Nothing at all. When has America ever set a goal and failed to accomplish it? Can you recall a time? Can you identify a moment when America faced a challenge and did not emerge stronger than before?”
He continued, “We are capable of accomplishing monumental tasks. It seems we are beginning to lose faith in our own abilities. We possess the capability to achieve anything. We truly can. We can advance this nation. Additionally, we can convey another message: a message of pride—pride in our nation; pride in our collective achievements; a sense of self-worth that comes from being able to support our families.”
He concluded, “I have consistently stated that it is a poor decision to bet against America. I can sincerely affirm, as I stand here today and offer you my word as a Biden, that I have never felt more hopeful about America’s future in my entire life. We must remember who we are. We are the United States of America. There are no limits to our potential. (Applause.) Absolutely none. And it all begins right here. God bless you all. May God watch over our troops. Thank you.”
