President Biden expressed his concerns about the MAGA Republican movement, describing it as potentially dangerous despite its perceived decline.
In an interview with ProPublica, Biden stated, "I think that this is the last gasp or maybe the first big gasp of the MAGA Republicans. And I think Trump has concluded that he has to win." He emphasized that Trump's determination to regain power poses a threat to democracy.
When asked about the possibility of a smaller threat to democracy due to the lack of violence in the 2022 midterm elections, Biden disagreed, stating, "[Trump] will pull out all the stops. I mean, the quotes he uses are just I never thought I'd hear a president say some of the stuff he says."
Last Thursday, President Biden delivered his fourth speech on the state of US democracy, addressing the alleged attempts by Trump and the MAGA Republicans to undermine it. He criticized the "extremists in Congress" who he believes want to "burn the place down." The speech took place in Arizona, a purple state where Biden's campaign aimed to solidify its gains from the 2020 election.
Trump, who is currently facing a four-count federal indictment related to his alleged efforts to interfere with the 2020 election, has accused Democrats of undermining democracy. He has decried the 91 criminal counts against him and the use of the 14th Amendment to potentially disqualify him from running for office.
The 14th Amendment states that individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion cannot hold certain positions in Congress or be an elector for president. Some argue that Trump's actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot fall under this disqualification.
When asked about whether Trump should be disqualified, President Biden declined to give an opinion, noting that there are differing views among constitutional scholars. However, he expressed concerns about the conservative majority Supreme Court and whether it will uphold the rule of law. Biden worried that if the MAGA Republicans gain power, they would seek to undermine the rule of law and dismantle institutions like the FBI.
Biden also reiterated his support for ethics reforms for the Supreme Court, citing recent scandals such as Justice Clarence Thomas' undisclosed benefits from GOP megadonor Harlan Crow. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the highest court in the land.
Despite concerns about his age, with some polls indicating unease among voters, President Biden emphasized, "I'm not the only Democrat who can protect [democracy]. I just happen to be the Democrat who I think is best positioned to see to it that the guy [who has us] worried about taking on democracy is not president." Biden also highlighted the global implications of a failing democracy, stating that it would be catastrophic for the free world.
Login