Joe Biden says world leaders still!

Joe Biden may have left the White House behind, but according to him, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. In a recent appearance at a convention in San Diego, the former president told the audience that he still fields calls from world leaders and members of Congress, eager for his perspective on policy, politics, and global challenges. The comments, casual in tone but weighty in implication, have sparked debate about Biden’s current influence, his legacy, and whether he still holds sway in a world that seems increasingly eager to turn the page.

Biden, now several years removed from his presidency, was on stage at a human resources management event when he was asked about his post-White House life. He leaned into the question with confidence, explaining that he regularly speaks with European leaders who want his advice on international affairs. He stressed that he does not hold any formal role, yet painted a picture of himself as an elder statesman whose opinion continues to matter.

“I get the calls,” Biden said. “They still want to engage. They still ask me to weigh in, even if it’s unofficial.”

The remark drew polite applause from the audience, but the reaction outside the convention hall was far more mixed. Supporters argued that Biden’s long history in Washington and his decades of experience on the world stage make him a natural sounding board for current leaders. Critics, however, dismissed his claims as either exaggeration or delusion, noting that his presidency had ended under a cloud of criticism.

Biden didn’t stop at world affairs. He also noted that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Washington continue to call him for advice. “They like to bounce things off me,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s policy, sometimes it’s strategy, sometimes it’s just figuring out how to deal with people. I’ve been around long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.”

To Biden’s defenders, these anecdotes underscored his enduring reputation as a pragmatic dealmaker and empathetic politician. To his detractors, they highlighted the former president’s inability to let go, a man clinging to relevance even as new leaders take center stage.

The discussion quickly turned when Biden added a peculiar aside about his beloved vintage car. “It’s like laying rubber with my ’67 Corvette,” he quipped, a metaphor meant to suggest energy and forward motion. Instead, the remark puzzled listeners and soon went viral, fueling further questions about his clarity and coherence. Critics seized on the Corvette comment as another example of Biden’s sometimes meandering communication style, which had been a frequent target during his presidency.

Political analysts were quick to weigh in. One described Biden’s assertion that foreign leaders still sought his counsel as a “bold claim,” noting the lack of evidence to support it. Another suggested that whether or not Biden actually receives those calls is less important than the symbolism of the statement: a former president positioning himself as relevant despite the controversies that marked his time in office.

Those controversies loom large in any conversation about Biden’s legacy. His presidency was defined by both significant legislative achievements and persistent crises. The administration grappled with stubbornly high inflation, surges in immigration at the southern border, and partisan gridlock that often left the White House on the defensive. While Biden championed infrastructure investment, climate initiatives, and pandemic recovery efforts, many Americans remained skeptical of his leadership, ultimately contributing to his decision not to seek a second term.

For Biden’s critics, these failures outweigh his accomplishments, making his claims of continued influence ring hollow. “Why would European leaders be calling him, of all people?” one commentator asked. “His presidency was marked by domestic turmoil and global hesitation. If anything, they’d want to move forward, not look back.”

But for supporters, Biden’s longevity is exactly the point. They argue that few figures in American politics have his depth of institutional memory or his personal relationships across the Atlantic. Having served as vice president for eight years under Barack Obama and as a senator for decades before that, Biden’s network is vast. Even without official authority, they say, it’s not hard to imagine a prime minister or president picking up the phone to hear his take on a thorny issue.

The Corvette quip, while mocked in headlines, also revealed something about Biden’s approach. He has always leaned on personal anecdotes and offbeat humor, often straying from polished talking points in favor of stories from his own life. To some, that style makes him relatable. To others, it reinforces doubts about his precision.

Underlying the debate is a larger question: how should former presidents engage with the world once they leave office? Some retreat into private life, focusing on memoirs, philanthropy, or building a legacy through libraries and foundations. Others remain outspoken, using their platform to shape policy debates and support candidates. Biden appears to be choosing the latter path, seeking to remain an active voice even if his formal power is gone.

Yet the path forward is not without risk. Every public statement is dissected, every slip of the tongue amplified. His critics argue that he risks undermining his own credibility with comments that seem boastful or confusing. His allies counter that staying engaged is not a flaw but a responsibility, particularly for someone who spent nearly half a century in public service.

What’s undeniable is that Biden’s comments continue to stir conversation. For some, they highlight the enduring pull of a man who, despite setbacks, still commands attention. For others, they serve as a reminder of the controversies and challenges that defined his presidency, raising questions about whether he should step aside completely.

The San Diego appearance may not change the trajectory of Biden’s legacy, but it offers a window into how he sees himself: not as a retired politician fading quietly into history, but as a seasoned statesman with wisdom to offer. Whether that perception is shared by those on the other end of the phone is another matter entirely.

For now, Biden seems intent on reminding the world — and perhaps himself — that influence is not measured solely by holding office. Sometimes, it’s measured by the calls you claim to still receive, the stories you continue to tell, and the belief that your voice still matters in a conversation that is always moving forward.