Biden says US facing 'dark days' under Trump, praises late-night hosts for 'shining a light on free speech'

Addressing a crowd at the Edward M Kennedy Institute in Boston, former President Joe Biden said America was facing "dark days" under President Donald Trump and declared that "we’re more powerful than a dictator." The 82-year-old was in Boston on Sunday night to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the institute. 

"Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world. The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than a dictator," Biden said. 

"Friends, I can’t sugarcoat any of this. These are dark days," Biden said, adding that the country would "find our true compass again" and "emerge as we always have—stronger, wiser, and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith." 

He described the current state of affairs as the "worst" he has seen in his decades of "elected public life," adding that "our very democracy is at stake in my view." 

He said that the country depends on a presidency having limited power, a functioning Congress, and an independent judiciary branch. Among the examples he listed out of those taking action against the Trump administration were federal employees who resigned in protest and late-night comedians. 

"The late-night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech knowing their careers are on the line," Biden said. 

Biden urged people to "get back up" and "fight like hell."