Former President Joe Biden praised late-night hosts for speaking out against the Trump administration, acknowledging the risks they take in jeopardizing their careers, during a speech in Boston on Sunday. Biden, speaking at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston, accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award, calling the current era ‘dark days’ amid growing concerns over the erosion of free speech and democratic norms. The former president highlighted the courage of media figures, including late-night comedians, who have openly criticized the Trump administration despite the potential consequences for their professional standing.
Biden’s remarks came amid heightened tensions in the media landscape, particularly following the recent suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel, a prominent figure in late-night comedy, faced a brief but widely publicized suspension in September after making controversial remarks about a shooter linked to the Trump campaign. While Kimmel’s comments did not directly target Trump, they raised questions about free speech and media independence, leading to backlash from political figures and regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denounced Kimmel’s remarks as ‘some of the sickest conduct,’ suggesting potential actions against the comedian.
Biden’s speech emphasized the broader implications of these events, as he warned that the survival of democracy itself is at stake. ‘In over 50 years of public life, this is one of the worst I’ve seen. Our very democracy is at stake, in my view,’ he said, according to CBS News. The former president called on Americans to remain vigilant and not give up in the face of these challenges, urging the public to ‘get up now.’ This sentiment comes at a time when Biden is no longer running for re-election, having ended his campaign in July 2024 after a difficult debate performance against Trump. He continues to face health challenges, having been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May 2024.
The ongoing controversy surrounding late-night journalists and their role in public discourse highlights the intersection of politics and media, with Biden’s comments underscoring the importance of free speech as a cornerstone of democratic societies. His praise for the late-night hosts reflects a broader ideological stance favoring media freedom and critical journalism, while also serving as a direct response to the Trump administration’s perceived efforts to limit press freedoms. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the treatment of media figures like Kimmel will remain a contentious point in the ongoing discourse over free speech and political accountability.