Joe Biden At World Economic Forum 2017: Top 10 Quotes By The Outgoing Vice President During His Final Public Address

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden addressed a rousing crowd at the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Annual Meeting in Davos, refusing to pull any punches as he called on the world to tackle social and economic inequality. He also took the opportunity to call Russia out on certain foreign policy measures and allay the international community's fears over the future of the United States.

Here are some of the most memorable quotes from Biden’s last public address as the vice president of the United States:

He had his humor in place.

“My name is Joe Biden, and I am going to be the Vice President for the next 48 hours.”

He called Russia’s Vladimir Putin out.

“He seeks to return to a world where 'military might, corruption and criminality' are the dominant forces while weaker countries have to ‘fall in line.’”

He emphasized the importance of NATO.

“A sacred obligation that attack on one is an attack on all. That can never be placed in question.”

He stood by the Obama administration’s principles.

“In our administration, we have not only tried to lead by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”

He discussed the role of globalization and new technology.

“Taken together, these forces are effectively hollowing out the middle-class, the traditional engine of economic growth and social stability in Western nations.

We cannot undo the changes that technology has wrought in our world, nor should we try.

But we can and we must take action to mitigate the economic trends that are stoking unrest in so many advanced economies and undermining people’s basic sense of dignity.”

He addressed the inequality of income in the world calling for a “progressive tax system.”

“I told a group of you last night - the top 1 percent’s not carrying their weight. You’re not bad guys, you’re good guys.”

He talked about the challenges ahead.

“The challenges we face, and the choices we must make as an international community doesn’t hinge exclusively on Washington’s leadership.

Whether we reinforce the ties that bind us or whether we unravel under the current pressure. These choices must be made by very single nation.”

He called for Europe and the U.S. to lead in defending the world’s values.

“The U.S. and Europe has to lead the fight to defend the values that brought us to where we are today.”

“A fight for democracy, wherever it is under threat. Be it at home or abroad. A fight to urge those to reject isolationism and protectionism.”