Joe Biden will present the highest American civilian distinction, the “Medal of Freedom”, on Friday to 19 people, including some former top figures in the Democratic Party, during a resolutely political edition of this annual ceremony.
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This medal rewards each year individuals who have “contributed in an exemplary manner to the prosperity, values or security of the United States” or to “world peace”.
The American president will decorate John Kerry (80 years old), veteran of the Vietnam War who during his long political career was an unsuccessful presidential candidate against the outgoing George W. Bush in 2004, before leading American diplomacy between 2013 and 2017 More recently, he served as the United States’ special climate envoy.
Al Gore (76 years old), former vice-president of Bill Clinton, climate activist, and also an unsuccessful presidential candidate against George W. Bush in 2000, is also there.
The White House press release listing the recipients emphasizes that Al Gore had “accepted the result” of this narrow defeat in 2000, “in the name of our unity”. A mention which recalls the current campaign for the presidential election in November.
Republican Donald Trump, opponent of Joe Biden, refuses to commit to recognizing the result, he who never conceded defeat in 2020.
The American president will also decorate Nancy Pelosi (84 years old), former president of the House of Representatives and a key figure in American political life, presented as a “fervent” supporter of democracy.
He will also present medals to businessman Michael Bloomberg (82), former mayor of New York under the Republican label. An unsuccessful candidate, this time under the Democratic label, in the 2020 presidential election, the billionaire lined up behind Joe Biden, whose campaign he financed.
Democratic member of the House of Representatives James Clyburn (83) will also be decorated on Friday. “He transformed the lives of millions of Americans and created a freer world,” assures the White House about this figure of the African-American community, whose support played a decisive role in bringing Joe Biden to office. White House.
