President Joe Biden said it’s “self-evident” that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss but stopped short of commenting on a Colorado legal case that would bar him from the state’s ballot.
Quick Read
- Biden Labels Trump as Insurrectionist: President Joe Biden described Donald Trump as an insurrectionist for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, emphasizing Trump’s support for the insurrection without ambiguity.
- Withholding Comment on Colorado Legal Case: Biden refrained from commenting on a legal case in Colorado that could potentially bar Trump from the state’s ballot.
- Statement Made in Milwaukee: Biden made these remarks about Trump, who is likely to be his opponent in the next election, during a trip to Milwaukee, where he was focusing on economic issues.
- 14th Amendment Reference: Biden referred to the 14th Amendment, indicating that it’s up to the court to decide its applicability, but firmly stated that Trump supported an insurrection.
- Criticism of Trump’s Comments on Immigrants: Biden also criticized Trump’s recent remarks about migrants “poisoning the blood” of the country, asserting his belief in the strength of diversity for the nation and economy.
- Colorado Supreme Court Decision: The Colorado Supreme Court declared Trump ineligible to serve as president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, a first in U.S. history, which could keep him off the ballot.
- Republican and Trump’s Response: The court’s decision has been denounced by Republicans, and Trump’s lawyers plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Trump’s Refusal to Concede 2020 Election: Trump continues to falsely claim voter fraud in the 2020 election and has promised to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Biden’s Stance on Trump: While Biden has consistently condemned Trump as a threat to democracy, he has been more cautious regarding Trump’s legal challenges.
- White House’s Non-Involvement: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration’s non-involvement in this legal process.
- Biden Campaign’s Position: The Biden campaign, through Deputy Communications Director Brooke Goren, expressed readiness to defeat Trump or any other Republican nominee in the 2024 elections, without delving into the legal aspects.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden denounces Trump as ‘doubling down’ on support for insurrection
Newslooks- MILWAUKEE (AP)
President Joe Biden said it’s “self-evident” that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss but stopped short of commenting on a Colorado legal case that would bar him from the state’s ballot.
The Democratic president made the comments about his likely Republican opponent in next year’s election shortly after landing in Milwaukee for an event focused on the economy.
“Whether the 14th Amendment applies or not, we’ll let the court make that decision,” Biden told reporters on the tarmac after stepping off Air Force One. “But he certainly supported an insurrection. There’s no question about it. None. Zero. And he seems to be doubling down on it.”
Biden also criticized Trump for his recent comments that migrants were “poisoning the blood” of the country.
“I don’t believe, as the former president said again yesterday, that immigrants are polluting our blood,” Biden said in a speech at the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce. “The economy and our nation are stronger when we tap into the full range of talents in this nation.”
Biden’s trip to Wisconsin came the day after the Colorado Supreme Court issued a decision declaring that Trump is ineligible to serve as president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. It’s the first time in the country’s history that the provision has been used to keep a candidate off the ballot.
Republicans have denounced the court’s decision, and Trump’s lawyers said they plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump has refused to back down from his lies that voter fraud allowed Biden to win in 2020, and he’s pledged to pardon supporters who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Biden has repeatedly condemned Trump and described him as a threat to American democracy. However, he’s been more circumspect when addressing his predecessor’s legal challenges, including several criminal cases against him, and this one is no different.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One.
“The president is not involved; we’re not involved in this,” she said. “This is a legal process and we’re not involved in this.”
Biden’s campaign was similarly circumspect in a call with reporters on Tuesday.
“What I will say is that the president looks forward to defeating Donald Trump or whoever else emerges from the Republican primary on the ballot box in November 2024,” said Brooke Goren, the campaign’s deputy communications director.
