'What patriotism and selfless service looks like': Maddow reacts to Biden's address to the nation

“I never forget that I live in a house owned by all the American people and that I have been given their trust.” -FDR

Salute and respect from Australia to the leader of western democracy. I'm an Iranian who lives in the west for the past 16 years and as someone who has experienced both sides of life from free western democracy all the way to the religious totalitarian dictatorship, I'd give my life for democratic values if necessary. For half of you Americans who support Trump and his hateful agenda, the best wish I have is if only you could spend a couple of months of your life in countries like Iran where democracy has fallen and it will never be restored again unfortunately.

I've never seen someone take being thrown under a bus so well. What a patriot.

Joe, you are unmatched in dedication, honor, accomplishments, love, kindness, empathy and statesmanship. We love you out here. You are our FDR... we have always been so proud of you and will always be proud of you. Many blessings...

Let the right wing sneer all they want. This was a great speech, spoken from the heart and soul, by a decent and honorable man. The United States has been blessed to have him at the helm.

I truly don’t know how to say “thank you” properly. Mr. President, you are a golden star. We miss you terribly; I don’t want to let you go. You say we have to, so I’ll act with VP Harris, care for her, and help her win in any legal way. We’ll save Democracy, whilst owing you a debt that can never be repaid. Thank you, dear Joe. Thank you, Dr. Biden. With gratitude, A.

What a decent wonderful man our president Joe Biden. Thank you for all your years of public service. You always put our country first. We are behind you for the rest of your term. We love you and your family. 💙💙💙💙

Thank you, President Biden, for your honesty, integrity, and forthrightness during your 50 years of service in the legislative and executive branches of our government. You are the best president we have ever had! We love you and appreciate all that you have done for the United States of America. God bless you and keep you and your family safe.

Biden is a national treasure, I believe (and have from day one) that he is one of the greatest presidents of all time.

This is a Man that Thinks Past his own Ambitious.

As good as Jimmy Carter, as competent as FDR, as selfless as Washington. I've never been prouder, and I'll never be sadder to see a president go.

Impossible to imagine the other guy ever doing anything selfless like that. Biden is a great man, and I hope he enjoys his retirement.

Biden might’ve just saved us twice from Trump.

Mr. President, Sir, thank you for your decades of service to our country. Your legacy will remain as a testament of what a true strong leader is, forever.

One of the most selfless acts ever done by a president , history will remember this moment.

Lawrence O'Donnell in one of his recent commentaries placed Biden with the likes of Cincinnatus and George Washington. I cannot help but agree, for both declined power in order to prevent the despotic habit from taking root. Joe's action was to the same end, if indirectly, and so may his name never die, but remain in such honorable company forever.

May the Lord bless Joe Biden and his family. Thank you Mr. President, we love you. Vote blue.

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. " Live long and prosper, Mr President. ❤

We have nearly seen Joe Biden's entire Life in REAL TIME. He has done so much for the American PEOPLE, We Thank You Joe Biden. I wish you Well Sir 😊

From outside America - reading these comments - it’s heart warming to read how they think he is a great man! And he is - he has the courage to hand the baton to a younger generation! I wish him a great retirement and it’s time to be with his family and I thank him for handing over to a great intelligent bright woman! I hope your democracy survives! God bless you from Australia xx