Biden made the remark during a rare public appearance since leaving office.

Despite stepping down amid growing criticism over his leadership, former President Joe Biden says he remains a sought-after advisor to political and global figures. Speaking at the Society for Human Resource Management convention in San Diego last week, Biden surprised attendees by suggesting that European heads of state and lawmakers from both parties continue to consult him.

“I’m getting calls, I’m not going to go into it, I can’t, from a number of European leaders asking me to get engaged,” Biden said during a conversation with SHRM President Johnny Taylor, according to *The Western Journal*. “I’m not \[getting involved], but I’m giving advice. Because things are different.”

A clip of the exchange, posted on X by Democratic strategist Chris Jackson, shows Biden alternating between a soft-spoken and impassioned tone. “Ya know, I often ask the question rhetorically: if America doesn’t lead the world, who can? Not a joke. Not because of power. Who can put it together?” he asked.

Biden added that both Democrats and Republicans continue reaching out to him, not necessarily for answers but “to bounce things off me.” In a more unusual aside, he quipped, “I’m also laying rubber with my ’67 Corvette on my driveway.”

Critics quickly seized on his remarks, framing them as emblematic of the issues that plagued his presidency. Biden’s time in office was marked by rising inflation, high gas prices, and persistent challenges at the southern border. His decision not to seek re-election followed growing discontent within his own party.

📺 And now, your moment of zen. Some Q&A with @JoeBiden from today's #SHRM25 conference in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/AGtN47aau9

— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) July 2, 2025

The administration also navigated scandals, including the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Hunter Biden’s controversies, and scrutiny over preemptive pardons. A recent ICE report further criticized federal failures in vetting sponsors for migrant children, fueling ongoing debates over competence and accountability.

Given these controversies, many analysts question Biden’s claim that world leaders continue to turn to him for wisdom. As one political commentator put it: “Considering the chaos and credibility problems of his final years, the idea that foreign leaders are still calling him is… bold.”

To his detractors, Biden’s comments reflect a broader pattern—moments where the former president struggles to separate legacy from self-perception.