President Biden bows after one term. He is not First.

George Bush complained in 1993 that “it’s not easy to lose – trust me, I know,” after losing to Bill Clinton. Gerald Ford in 1977 allowed for the possibility of a political comeback after Jimmy Carter’s victory (“This report will be my last — probably.”) Donald J. Trump defied four years of defeat ago, and declared that “we will return. in some form.”

Since the 18th century – when George Washington warned young republicans about the dangers of unity and called for national unity – presidents have used the dark days in office to reflect on their records and achievements. , asked the country to build in its place. a legacy for future generations.

That parting message has sometimes been more difficult than succeeding a great commander-in-chief – especially when he was beaten in a second term.

President Biden’s challenge on Wednesday night was also sensitive, as he highlighted his achievements and reflected on the future of America – even as he handed over the reins of government to Mr Trump, an adversary who Mr. Biden has said that democracy is a threat, and that he has vowed to undo many of his policies.

Against this backdrop, Johnson gave his final “State of the Union” address to Congress the week before Nixon’s inauguration. In an emotional speech to a joint session of Congress, Johnson spoke of his efforts to seek a renegotiation of the Vietnam War, noting a list of political achievements. – laws that he led in the Oval Office, forming the new society. program as a “promise to the American people” that must be kept.

“Failure to implement them,” Johnson said of his legislative agenda, “would be a disaster for our country.” Much of this law, called the Great Society by Johnson, stands today.

Gerald R. Ford was hoping for a political comeback.

President Gerald R. Ford holds a special place in the history of the American presidency, and his farewell address reflects his extraordinary and short tenure in the Oval Office. He is the only president not to be elected president or vice president, as Nixon appointed him as vice president. He also served the shortest term of a president in the last century – holding office for just two years and five months after Nixon’s resignation in the summer of 1974. .

But although Ford told lawmakers that “I look forward to the position of a private citizen with joy and gratitude,” he did not hide his hope for political redemption and a return to it. he is in the White House.

“This report will be my last — probably,” Ford said, prompting angry laughter from the room, as he broke away from his prepared speech to mock the presidential race. Ford finally withdrew from the controversy in 1980, and endorsed Ronald Reagan.

George Bush warned of becoming ‘the world’s policeman’.

Appearing at the US Military Academy at West Point, two weeks before Bill Clinton’s inauguration, President George Bush made it clear that his loss to Mr. Clinton hurt him.

“Losing is never easy. Trust me, I know something about that,” Bush told thousands of Army cadets, who laughed — perhaps longer and louder than he expected. “But if you have to lose, this is the way to do it: Fight with everything you have.” Do your best. And win or lose, learn from it, and get on with life.”

But before he left, Bush issued a warning to future military leaders about the state of the nation. He had just presided over the end of the Cold War, and was waiting for the birth of nations and democratic governments in Eastern Europe as the Soviet Union and its world power collapsed under his rule. He also fought in Iraq against the invasion of neighboring Kuwait.

Declaring that the United States is the world’s only remaining superpower, Bush urged the nation to engage in the global crisis and “promote democratic peace.” But he also called for self-control and to do only with the support of his allies.

“The United States should not seek to be the world’s policeman,” Bush said. “There is no support abroad or in the country for us to carry this responsibility, and there should not be. We will exhaust ourselves in the process, wasting precious resources to solve problems at home and abroad that we cannot afford to ignore. “

The warning contained the crisis that would dominate American foreign policy. Mr. Clinton will lead the military intervention in Haiti and the Balkans. President George W. Bush, Bush’s son, would go even further after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which led to a second invasion of Iraq and what would become a two-decade war in Afghanistan — costing thousands. American lives and billions of dollars in military spending.