Fact-checking and misinformation got a shout out during his address: “The free press is crumbling,” said Biden. “Social media is giving up on fact checking.”

Biden spoke about the ravages of climate change and warned of corporate efforts to roll back climate protections. “Powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we’ve taken to tackle the climate crisis,” he said.

Biden vows peaceful transition of power to Trump but warns 'oligarchy is taking shape in America'

“Together, we’ve launched a new era of American possibilities,” said Biden, arguing that poor economic conditions and inflation had been inherited from the pandemic during Donald Trump’s first term and that his administration had salvaged the economy.

Biden calls for maintaining fair government ahead of Trump's second term

Biden then pivoted to an ode to America. “The Statue of Liberty is not standing still,” said Biden. “She’s on the march.” He invoked the idea of American liberal democracy, saying that “the idea of America, our institutions, our people, our values are constantly being tested.”

Biden opens speech by taking credit for Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Joe Biden isn’t the only one trying to salvage his presidential legacy.

In an interview published by the Washington Post this morning, Jill Biden worried about public perceptions of her husband and sounded a note of irritation at Biden’s critics in the Democratic Party, including Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker.

“Sure,” she said, when asked whether Biden could have governed for another four years.

Joe Biden’s farewell address, which will offer him an opportunity to make a final case for his legacy to the American public, comes at a time of persistently poor polling for the president: according to a CNN poll released today, about 36% of adults say they believe Biden is doing a good job, with his favorability rating at closer to 33%.

Biden to deliver farewell address from the Oval Office