By: Hannah Stock
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made a stop in Omaha on Thursday, and spoke to University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) students about the role of U.S. leadership in a changing world.
“We lead the world not just by the example of our power, but the power of our example. And we’re not setting a very good example right now,” Biden said.
During the speech, Biden says Trump’s embrace of nationalism and strongmen leaders like Vladimir Putin are pushing the country away from the global stage.
Biden said America’s global leadership role, its relationship with allies and its support for other nations are vital.
The Democrat spoke to a crowd of about 475, mostly made up of students at UNO’s Strauss Performing Arts Center. Although Biden has yet to declare if he will run for president, but his family has given their approval, and he is expected to join the Democratic candidates.
At times, Biden made a point to speak directly to the students watching, challenging them to do what they can restore America’s global position. He spent time highlighting past global successes for the United States, including one that took place in Omaha during the Ebola outbreak in 2014.
“Only the United States could muster that kind of response and look at what you did here in Omaha,” Biden said. “You stood up one of the best Ebola treatments in the entire world here at (the University of Nebraska Medical Center.)”
Following Biden’s speech, the former vice president and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel took questions from students. Those questions included what inspired Hagel to sponsor the event and what the role of the United States should be in the next 10-to-20 years.
“It’s time for us to stand up and remember who the hell we are. To regain the sense of unity, it’s time for us to lead again,” Biden said.
