Biden Urges Delaware Students to Lead Democracy Debate

Former President Joe Biden urged University of Delaware students to become active citizens and future leaders in an op-ed published by The Review on October 13, 2026, as he addressed concerns about political division and the state of American democracy.

The former president wrote for his alma mater's student newspaper, encouraging students to use campus experiences to understand civic responsibility. He said young people can help shape the nation's future through participation and debate.

Biden, a University of Delaware graduate from the class of 1965, recalled that his own college years came during periods of national turmoil, including political unrest, civil rights conflicts, and the Vietnam War era.

"As you start a new school year amid an undeniably turbulent time for our country, I wanted to offer some reflections that I hope encourage you to see the messy state of our democracy not as a burden you'll bear, but as a gift you'll inherit," wrote Biden, Former President of the United States.

In the editorial, Biden advised students to engage with differing viewpoints, attend campus events, study democracy and leadership, and vote. He also credited university professors with helping him understand earlier crises and building his confidence to enter public service.

Biden referenced French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville while discussing America's ability to address its own challenges.

"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults," wrote Tocqueville, French political philosopher.

The former president said current political conditions have weakened public discussion and increased divisions. He argued that young Americans have historically played a major role in responding to national challenges.

"Your generation is the best educated, most talented, least prejudiced our country has ever seen. I know you're trying to make sense of all that's unfolding around you. And I won't sugarcoat it — these are dark days.

But America is one of the only countries in the world that time and again has come out of every crisis we faced stronger than when we went into that crisis. And throughout our history, it's been young people like you who have chosen to act, to pull us back from the abyss," wrote Biden, Former President of the United States.

Biden also highlighted his continued connection with the university after graduating. According to PhillyVoice, he has returned to campus for events and maintained involvement with the institution over the years.

"I got to spend some time talking with these students, and I mean it when I say they're our future leaders. I can't wait to watch the impact they're going to have," wrote Biden in an Instagram post about a September campus visit.

The Review identified Biden as a university alumnus who submitted the opinion piece, noting that the views expressed in the article were his own and did not represent the newspaper's staff.