Biden came clearly unhinged.
President Joe Biden delivered a stark warning on Friday about the potential repercussions of Donald Trump’s bid to reclaim the White House in 2024, emphasizing the serious threat it poses to the nation. This address came on the eve of the third anniversary of the violent uprising at the U.S. Capitol, orchestrated by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, who sought to maintain his hold on power.
Speaking in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, near the site where George Washington and the Continental Army endured a challenging winter almost 250 years ago, Biden reflected on the pivotal moment of January 6, 2021, declaring it a time when “we nearly lost America — lost it all.” He underscored the upcoming presidential race, likely to be a rematch with Trump, as a critical juncture determining the survival of American democracy.
Biden recounted Trump’s involvement in the Capitol attack, where the former president’s supporters stormed the building during the Electoral College vote count, resulting in the injury of over 100 police officers. He criticized Trump for labeling the insurrectionists as “patriots” and vowed to pardon them if he returns to office, accusing him of “glorifying” political violence instead of condemning it.
Highlighting the tragic aftermath of the Capitol riot, with nine individuals losing their lives, including police officers and Trump supporters, Biden condemned Trump’s attempts to rewrite the events of January 6, likening it to an effort to “steal history” just as he tried to “steal the election.”
Before his speech, Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Valley Forge National Arch and toured General George Washington’s headquarters, invoking Washington’s selfless relinquishment of power after securing American independence. Biden portrayed Trump as unworthy of such a legacy, emphasizing the importance of leaders willingly returning power to the people, as Washington did.
Biden also addressed the polarized perceptions surrounding the January 6 attack, noting a decline in the percentage of Americans attributing responsibility to Trump over time. He pointed out the influence of “politics, fear, money” in prompting some Republicans to abandon their criticism of Trump, urging Democrats, independents, and mainstream Republicans to make their choices in the face of this critical moment.
In conclusion, Biden reiterated his commitment to defending democracy and expressed confidence in the choices Americans will make. This appearance, on the anniversary of a dark chapter in American history, aimed to underscore the significance of preserving democratic values and learning from the lessons of the past.