Former Vice President Joe Biden touched on everything from Russia interference in the presidential election to the gun control debate during a speech at LIU Post in Brookville this week.
Before a packed audience that included local lawmakers at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts, Biden called on Congress to reform the nation’s gun laws in the wake of the latest mass shooting.
“The NRA can be beaten,” he said. “We beat them before and we’ll beat them again.”
Serving 36 years on the U.S. Senate before becoming Vice President, Biden authored the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which included a federal assault weapon ban that was later repealed.
His appearance was hosted by the Global Institute at LIU Post, which is chaired by former Congressman Steve Israel.
Moving on to the topic of global affairs, Biden explained that Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing everything in his power to dismantle liberal world order.
“[Putin] is doing everything in his power to weaken NATO, undermine western democracy, and break apart the transatlantic partnership between Europe and the United States, which is the bedrock of our security,” Biden said.
He explained that Russia is meddling in our affairs as an act of self preservation, and using tactics to “cast doubt and destabilize democracy throughout the world.”
Biden suggested that the U.S. has a responsibility to respond and engage with Russia in order to preserve international world order.
Before wrapping up his speech, Biden stated that the United States has to stand united with allies in Europe against Russia.
At home, Biden also stressed the importance of “rejecting this alt-right, half-baked nationalism,” which he said doesn’t put America first, but puts it alone.
Despite the pressing issues facing the nation since he left office, Biden remained upbeat.
“I’m still incredibly optimistic because I know the history of the journey,” he concluded.
