Written by Anna Rodriguez
OMAHA, Neb.– Student Government members organized and guided students towards check-in on Thursday afternoon in the Strauss Preforming Arts Center on the University of Nebraska Omaha’s campus.
The venue filled up quickly as students and media personnel anticipated the arrival of former Vice President Joe Biden. The audience was comprised of nearly 500 UNO students, NU Regents, and members of the Nebraska Democratic Party.
Biden was visiting campus as a guest speaker for the inaugural Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership. The forum began with an introduction from Student Body President, Renata Valquier Chavez. Continued were opening remarks from University of Nebraska President, Hank Bounds, UNO and UNMC Chancellor, Jeffrey Gold and former Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel.
The 1971 UNO graduate, Chuck Hagel, introduced the former Vice President. He said, the senator from Delaware has an unprecedented career in public service. “Forty-four years of distinguished, unblemished, selfless service.” It’s because of this, Biden was hand-chosen by the former Maverick as guest speaker for his inaugural Leadership series.
With emphasis on reuniting the American people and rebuilding the United States’ foreign alliances, Biden said, “There’s only one nation on earth that all nations can be trusted with confidence, which is in the U.S.” He said he believes that the actions of President Trump and his current administration are tarnishing relationships with foreign countries.
Biden focused on the depletion of foreign leader’s confidence in American politicians, and the lack of self-confidence on the part of those politicians. “This changing world in my view and the failure of presidential leadership is generating doubt about America’s standing power,” he said. Stating that he believes the current administration is not doing their part to ensure that the United States maintains its image as a world leader, “We lead the world not just by the example of our power but by the power of our example,” said Biden.
Members of UNO’s student government served as featured guests and were seated on the newly-refurbished stage behind Biden, Hagel and moderator, Lana Obradovic. They were asked student-submitted questions that were predetermined, but they didn’t get through more than three. Biden’s responses were long and detailed, as he reflected on his nearly 50 years of public service.
The inaugural forum kicked off this new series with an intimate feel, bringing together students, faculty, and political leaders for an evening of stimulating discussion over foreign policy. Biden not only shared his wisdom, but his wishes for the next 10-20 years, “I’m looking to you, I really am; I’m counting on you…There is nothing beyond your capacity. Nothing.”
Although many were anticipating the announcement of a 2020 presidential run earlier this week, Biden has so far failed to announce any plans regarding his possible entry into the race for president. He would be among 14 other Democrats grappling for the nomination against the Republican ticket.
Video of the forum can be watched here.
