"Fighting for the Soul of the Nation”—Biden’s Rallying Cry to Lawyers

At the National Bar Association's centennial gala in Chicago, President Joe Biden stood before nearly 1,100 Black legal professionals and delivered a forceful testament to the enduring power of democracy. It was a speech rooted in history, infused with personal conviction, and anchored with unwavering faith in our founding ideals.

Democracy on the Brink

Biden didn’t name names, but his warning was clear: “These are dark days.” He described a troubling wave of executive overreach, democratic backsliding, and attacks on civil rights—prompting listeners to recognize the gravity of the moment.

“To erase history rather than making it. To erase fairness, equality, to erase justice itself. And that’s not hyperbole. That’s a fact.”

A Lawyer of the People

From his roots in Wilmington, Delaware, to serving as a public defender, Biden’s career has been one of standing beside those without power. He reminded attendees of the devastating aftermath of Dr. King’s assassination in 1968—how he left law school, returned, became a public defender, and dedicated his life to justice.

Honoring Black Legal Legacy

Biden paid tribute to Black legal trailblazers, sharing how a mentor from the National Bar Association, Lewis L. Reagan, helped pave the way to Brown v. Board of Education. He reminded the audience that the fight for civil rights has always demanded legal courage.

Commitment Personified

At 80-plus, Biden may not sound like the polished speaker of legend—but what he lacks in oratory flash, he makes up for in authenticity and steadfastness. His lifelong belief in the Constitution and Declaration’s lofty words—acknowledging America has never fully measured up—shines through. This is a man who lives in the tension between aspiration and reality. His stutter may slow him down, but it has never stopped him from delivering on his commitment to all Americans, not just those who voted for him.

Courts, Judges, and Representation

“Judges matter, the courts matter, the law matters, and the Constitution matters,” Biden said, stressing the importance of an independent judiciary. He noted that his administration had appointed more Black women to federal appeals courts than all previous presidents combined, including Ketanji Brown Jackson—the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

A Call to Arms for Lawyers

This wasn’t just a speech—it was a roadmap. Biden urged lawyers to step into the fight:

• Take cases defending the powerless

• Write, speak, protest, and stand in collective defense of justice

• Hold fast to conscience even when faced with intimidation or power

He invoked Dr. King’s phrase “democracy is a state, not an act,” reminding the audience that democracy requires vigilant stewardship.

Why This Matters Now

In a time of political polarization and institutional strain, Biden’s speech stands as both a call to conscience and a reminder of civic responsibility. He challenged lawyers to not just practice law—but to safeguard democracy’s soul.