Since he stepped down under intense political pressure, former President Joe Biden is painting a surprising picture of his post-presidential life. Despite walking away from the Oval Office amid deep concerns over his leadership, inflation, immigration, and national security, Biden says his phone hasn’t stopped ringing — and not just from old friends.

He claims world leaders, including some of the most powerful figures in Europe, still seek his advice. At a recent appearance in San Diego, the 81-year-old spoke softly but assertively, telling the crowd that he’s still being consulted behind the scenes — a quiet but influential figure, according to him, in the ever-churning world of global diplomacy.

For older Americans trying to make sense of where their country is headed — and what legacy their leaders are leaving behind — Biden’s comments stir a mix of emotion, confusion, and perhaps even a little nostalgia.

Biden’s Quiet Return to Influence — Or Just Wishful Thinking?

While speaking at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference, President Biden gave a rare glimpse into what he claims is his current role in the world stage — albeit unofficially.

“I’m getting calls… from a number of European leaders asking me to get engaged,” Biden said during a conversation with SHRM President Johnny Taylor. “I’m not [getting involved], but I’m giving advice. Because things are different.”

His statement was both understated and startling. Though no names were mentioned, and no direct actions were confirmed, the suggestion was clear: Biden still considers himself a player in the complex web of international relations, even without the official title.

This is an extraordinary claim, especially coming from a president whose final years in office were mired in controversy — from historic inflation and record-high gas prices to chaos at the southern border and deep fractures within his own party.

“If America Doesn’t Lead the World, Who Will?”

At one point during the exchange, Biden’s tone shifted. He leaned forward, his voice rising with passion.

“Ya know, I often ask the question rhetorically: if America doesn’t lead the world, who can?” he said. “Not a joke. Not because of power. Who can put it together?”

This kind of language — emotional, patriotic, deeply rooted in Cold War-era thinking — may resonate with older Americans who lived through decades when U.S. leadership was the bedrock of global stability.

But that very sense of nostalgia is also why Biden’s remarks drew so much attention — and criticism. Many saw the comments as a reminder of a presidency that promised unity and recovery, but instead delivered division, scandal, and a nation more polarized than ever.

Biden’s Corvette, the Confusion, and a Side of Humor

As Biden continued to speak, the conversation took an unexpected turn. Out of nowhere, he quipped, “I’m also laying rubber with my ’67 Corvette on my driveway.”

The line drew laughter, but also bewilderment.

To his supporters, it was a light-hearted moment from a man known for his folksy charm. To his critics, it was yet another example of a president prone to wandering speeches and disjointed remarks — moments that became increasingly common during his final year in office.

The Critics Aren’t Staying Quiet

Unsurprisingly, Biden’s latest claims haven’t gone unnoticed — or unchallenged.

Political analysts, conservative commentators, and even some centrist Democrats have questioned the credibility of Biden’s story. With everything that unfolded during his presidency, many find it difficult to believe that world leaders would still seek his wisdom.

“Given the chaos, confusion, and credibility issues that dogged the final years of his presidency, the idea that foreign leaders are still seeking his wisdom is… bold,” said one political analyst.

And indeed, Biden’s administration faced crisis after crisis — economic instability, an ongoing border emergency, rising crime rates in major cities, and deep unease about America’s global standing.

The Scandals That Still Cast a Long Shadow

Among the most damaging moments of Biden’s presidency were the scandals that emerged in his final months in office.

The impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas sent shockwaves through Washington, exposing what critics said was a deeply flawed approach to border security and immigration enforcement.

Even more explosive was the controversy surrounding his son, Hunter Biden, and the decision to issue preemptive pardons to several high-profile figures — including Hunter and Dr. Anthony Fauci. The use of autopen signatures on those pardons raised further questions about transparency and executive power.

More recently, an ICE report revealed disturbing failures in the vetting process for sponsors of unaccompanied migrant children. In some cases, children were placed with adults who later abused them — a tragedy that many believe will be a permanent stain on Biden’s legacy.

Behind the Curtain: A Quiet Counselor or a Man Struggling to Let Go?

So what should Americans make of Biden’s claims that he’s still advising foreign leaders and members of Congress?

For some, the answer is clear: the former president is simply trying to stay relevant, offering guidance in an unofficial capacity out of a genuine desire to help.

To others, these remarks represent something more troubling — a leader who refuses to recognize how far his star has fallen, and how deeply divided the nation became under his watch.

He told the SHRM crowd that lawmakers from both parties continue to reach out to him. “I’m dealing with a lot of Democrats and Republican colleagues, all of them wanting to talk,” he said. “Not because they think I have the answer, just to bounce things off me.”

That sentiment — wanting to be seen as a wise elder statesman — may resonate with older Americans who know what it feels like to retire from a job but still be sought out for advice. But in the world of high-stakes politics, good intentions aren’t always enough.

Is Biden’s Legacy Still Being Written?

For seniors watching the nation shift rapidly — economically, politically, and culturally — Biden’s story is more than just a headline. It’s a reflection of a broader question: how do leaders grow old in public? And when do they finally step back?

Whether Biden is truly in contact with heads of state or simply reliving his better days, one thing is clear — he still sees himself as someone with a voice worth hearing.

In the twilight of his public life, that might be all he’s looking for: a seat at the table, even if it’s no longer at the head.