The digital revolution could destroy the middle class, warns Joe Biden

Davos 2016:  “When people feel their shot at a decent life is eliminated, the inevitable human reaction is anxiety, frustration and anger.” Speaking in a special address in Davos yesterday, US Vice-President Joe Biden – known back home as “middle class Joe” – summed up what many are feeling, as middle class life comes under strain in the developed world.

While the Fourth Industrial Revolution opens up new opportunities – “exciting new choices for consumers, new kinds of jobs, hopefully with good pay, for workers” – it is not without its challenges.

A shortened version of his speech is below and the full address can be viewed online.

In the United States I’m referred to as Middle Class Joe. In Washington that's not meant as a compliment. It means I’m not sophisticated. But I’m not making a populist remark – this is not about class warfare. It’s about the shared economic wellbeing and global security. It’s something we should all care about, and that we can all do something about. - Read More 

Remarks by Joe Biden Vice President of the United States