In a fiery speech on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention, U.S. President Joe Biden sharply criticized Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, labeling him a “loser.”
US President Joe Biden
In a fiery speech on Monday at the Democratic National Convention, US President Joe Biden took aim at Republican presidential contender Donald Trump, labeling him a “loser.” Biden’s remarks came as he criticized Trump’s negative portrayal of America.
“Donald Trump calls America a failing nation,” Biden declared. “He says we’re losing. He’s the loser – he’s dead wrong.”
Biden emphasized that America is “winning” and that the world is “better off for it,” while accusing Trump of continuing to “lie” about issues like crime and immigration. The 81-year-old president also revisited Trump’s controversial “suckers and losers” comment about soldiers, expressing his outrage.
“Who in the hell does he think he is? These are the words of someone NOT fit to be Commander in Chief. Not then. Not now. Not ever,” Biden stated.
Biden also lauded Vice President Kamala Harris, reinforcing the party’s support for her in the upcoming November presidential election. Addressing a crowd that gave him a four-minute standing ovation after being introduced by his daughter Ashley Biden, Biden asked, “Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America? Let me ask you, are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?”
The president highlighted his administration’s achievements, including economic growth and strengthening international alliances, while reiterating his 2020 campaign message that “we’re in a battle for the very soul of America.” He emphasized that Harris and her running mate Tim Walz are the best candidates to continue this mission.
“Because of you, we’ve seen the most extraordinary four years of progress, period,” Biden said, sharing credit for the administration’s successes with Vice President Harris, whom he endorsed after stepping down from the presidential race last month.
Biden also condemned the persistence of racism and white supremacy in the US, stating there is no place for such ideologies in the country. He was visibly moved by the crowd’s enthusiastic response and chants of “Thank you, Joe,” wiping away tears before responding, “America, I love you.”
Vice President Kamala Harris made an unexpected appearance on stage before Biden’s speech, thanking him for his “historic leadership” and expressing the nation’s gratitude. “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you’ll continue to do,” Harris said. She is set to officially accept the Democratic nomination on Thursday.
Biden’s decision to exit the presidential race on July 21 came after pressure from Democratic leaders concerned about his age and performance in a June debate. Harris’s candidacy has since boosted the Democratic Party’s prospects, with opinion polls, fundraising, and large crowds signaling increased support.
A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that 48 percent of US adults have a very or somewhat favorable view of Harris, a notable increase from 39 percent earlier in the summer.
As Biden, who served as Vice President under Barack Obama, now urges Democrats to rally behind Kamala Harris, her potential victory would mark her as the first female president in US history. Harris, who is Black and South Asian, made history in 2020 as the first woman Vice President of America.
