Former President Joe Biden, despite stepping down under heavy criticism, says he’s still being sought out by global leaders and U.S. lawmakers for advice. Speaking at a human resources convention in San Diego, he claimed European heads of state and members of Congress from both parties continue to consult him, though he insists he’s “not getting involved” directly.

Video clips show Biden speaking softly at times, then suddenly more animated as he declared: “If America doesn’t lead the world, who can? Not a joke.” His comments were mixed with offbeat asides, including a puzzling remark about “laying rubber with my ’67 Corvette.” Critics seized on the moment as emblematic of the confusion they say marked his presidency.

Biden’s time in office ended amid rising inflation, a southern border crisis, and Democratic Party pressure that pushed him not to seek re-election. Controversies piled up, from the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Hunter Biden’s scandals and controversial preemptive pardons. A recent ICE report on failures in vetting child sponsors only added to the sense of dysfunction.

Against this backdrop, Biden’s assertion that world leaders still call for his guidance struck many as unrealistic. “Given the chaos and credibility issues of his final years, the idea that foreign leaders are seeking his wisdom is… bold,” one analyst said. To critics, his latest comments blur the line between legacy and delusion, reinforcing doubts about his leadership even in retirement.