Biden will focus on Social Security in return to national stage

Apnews - Apr 15th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Former President Joe Biden is stepping back into the political spotlight to address critical issues surrounding Social Security, a key concern for millions of Americans. On Tuesday, Biden will speak at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago, highlighting liberal concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration's approach to Social Security. The event marks a significant moment for Biden, who has largely remained out of the public eye since leaving office, as he aligns with bipartisan figures to advocate for the preservation and stability of Social Security amid Trump's workforce reductions and controversial identity-proofing plans at the Social Security Administration.

The implications of Biden's reemergence are significant as the nation approaches midterm elections. With Trump’s administration facing criticism for allowing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency access to sensitive Social Security data and the agency's mishandling of benefits notifications, Biden's involvement could influence public perception and political strategy. As Biden joins forces with former officials like Martin O'Malley and Roy Blunt, the focus remains on securing generational commitments to Social Security, a program deemed a 'sacred promise.' This issue may shape the political landscape, particularly as Biden, with historically low approval ratings, seeks to bolster Democratic fundraising and messaging efforts despite not pursuing further public office.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of Biden's return to the public stage, focusing on the critical issue of Social Security. It effectively highlights the potential challenges and political dynamics surrounding the program, appealing to a broad public interest. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced presentation, incorporating diverse perspectives to enhance its credibility and impact. While generally clear and engaging, the article's transparency and source quality leave room for improvement, particularly in areas requiring detailed verification and context. Overall, the article serves as a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about Social Security, but its effectiveness could be bolstered by addressing these areas.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article's factual accuracy is generally strong, with key claims about Biden's public appearance and the focus on Social Security being well-supported by external sources. However, some claims, particularly regarding Trump's policies on Social Security and the specific operational issues at the SSA, require further verification. The assertion that Trump immediately began slashing the government workforce, including SSA employees, aligns with reported actions, but the details about Musk's involvement need clearer substantiation. Additionally, the article mentions Biden's approval ratings and political dynamics, which are consistent with available polling data but could benefit from more precise figures and context.

6
Balance

The article presents a predominantly Democratic perspective, focusing on Biden's efforts and criticisms of Trump's policies. While it mentions bipartisan support for Social Security, it provides limited viewpoints from Republican or independent sources. The narrative leans towards highlighting the challenges faced by Social Security under Trump's administration without equally exploring potential benefits or alternative perspectives. This imbalance could lead to a perception of bias, as the article does not fully address the complexity of the political landscape surrounding Social Security reforms.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a logical flow that guides readers through Biden's reemergence and the issues surrounding Social Security. However, some sections, particularly those involving operational details of the SSA and Musk's role, could be elaborated for better comprehension. The language is accessible, but the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of complex topics to enhance reader understanding.

6
Source quality

The article relies on statements from Biden, the ACRD, and political figures like Rachel Buck and Martin O'Malley, which are credible sources for the topic. However, it lacks a diverse range of sources, particularly from independent analysts or Republican viewpoints, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues. The absence of direct quotes from Trump or his administration also limits the article's depth in exploring the other side of the argument.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the basis of its claims, particularly those involving operational changes at the SSA and Musk's involvement. While it cites public figures and organizations, it does not delve into the methodology or data sources that underpin its assertions. The lack of detailed context or explanation about how certain conclusions were reached diminishes the article's transparency, leaving readers with questions about the underlying evidence.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/14/biden-public-spotlight-speech-00290065
  2. https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/joe-biden-to-speak-about-social-security-ssa-concerns-in-first-public-address-since-presidency-advocates-counselors-and-representatives-for-the-disabled-chicago-elon-musk-doge-cuts-workforce-downsizing
  3. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/04/14/Joe-Biden-social-security-speech-ARCD/7631744659679/
  4. https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/
  5. https://401kspecialistmag.com/biden-to-make-first-public-speech-since-leaving-office-to-rally-support-for-social-security/