President Joe Biden delivered a potent political message aimed directly at his predecessor, Donald Trump, during a passionate speech at the South Carolina Democratic Party’s “First-in-the-Nation” dinner on the evening of January 27.
Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, Biden addressed reports alleging that Trump had disparaged fallen American soldiers by referring to them as “losers and suckers” and had declined to visit a U.S. military cemetery outside Paris during a trip to France in 2018.
In his impassioned address, Biden thundered, “Donald Trump, when he was commander-in-chief, refused to visit a U.S. Cemetery outside of Paris for fallen American soldiers.” He continued, “He referred to those heroes as suckers and losers. How dare he say that! I called them patriots and heroes. The only loser I see is Donald Trump, and it makes me angry.”
The crowd responded with resounding applause and a standing ovation as Biden delivered this scathing critique of the former president. This marked a notable departure for Biden, who typically refrains from singling out political opponents in such starkly personal terms. However, Trump’s alleged derogatory comments about military personnel struck a nerve with the President, reported CNN.
Biden went on to emphasize the significance of the sacrifices made by the men and women in the U.S. military, describing them as representing the best of America—individuals willing to put their lives on the line in defense of freedom. He continued, “Yet Donald Trump saw fit to demean their sacrifice. He couldn’t be bothered to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Well, I’m bothered. It makes me angry.”
Political observers noted that Biden’s fiery remarks came as he prepares for an anticipated 2024 re-election campaign. Current polls indicate that he is trailing in a hypothetical rematch against Trump, and Biden appears eager to take a more aggressive stance against the former president. By focusing on an issue as universally resonant as military service, Biden aims to gain an early advantage.
Unsurprisingly, Biden’s speech elicited swift condemnation from Trump’s allies, who accused him of politicizing the military. However, many Democrats welcomed Biden’s confrontational approach after years of facing Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.
President Biden made it clear on that Saturday night that, if Trump seeks another political showdown, he is prepared to fight back forcefully this time. By delivering a blunt critique of his predecessor before an enthusiastic audience, Biden demonstrated his readiness to engage in a no-holds-barred confrontation.
The powerful message he conveyed electrified Democrats who are eager for a spirited battle with Trump. Judging by the reaction in South Carolina, Biden’s gloves-off approach has the potential to energize voters and enhance his prospects in 2024. At least for the moment, it appears that the primary beneficiary of this confrontation is President Biden.