In a candid interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged he made a mistake when he urged supporters to put rival Donald Trump in a “bullseye,” aiming to highlight Trump’s behavior. “It was a mistake to use the word,” Biden stated. “I meant focus on it, focus on what he’s doing.”
Biden, 81, addressed his largest donors, urging them to redirect the election campaign’s attention from his recent debate performance to Trump, the Republican nominee for the upcoming Nov. 5 election. “I have one job and that’s to beat Donald Trump … We’re done talking about the debate. It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye,” he asserted.
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“It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.”–Biden to trump
Republicans criticized Biden’s comment, accusing him of fostering a climate that led to the recent assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. Despite these accusations, Biden has consistently condemned political violence.
Amid ongoing scrutiny over his political future, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the race, addressing concerns about his age and reaffirming his determination to stay in the election despite his lackluster debate performance on June 27, which has caused turmoil within the Democratic Party.
Discussing Trump’s selection of Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate, Biden remarked on NBC: “He’s going to surround himself with people who agree completely with him,” while humorously noting Vance’s past critical comments about Trump.
Biden has been directing attention to Trump’s falsehoods, his refusal to accept the 2020 election results, and his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. “I’m not the guy that said I want to be a dictator on day one. I’m not the guy that refused to accept the outcome of the election,” Biden declared.
Citing Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric, including his comments about a “bloodbath” if he loses the 2024 election and mocking the attack on Paul Pelosi, Biden questioned how to address the threat to democracy posed by such statements. “I have not engaged in that rhetoric. Now … my opponent’s engaged in that rhetoric,” he said.
As he seeks to demonstrate his fitness for a second term, Biden emphasized his responsiveness to the millions who voted for him as the Democratic Party’s nominee. “I listen to them,” he concluded.
Key Points:
- Biden’s Admission of Mistake:
- President Joe Biden acknowledged his mistake in using the term “bullseye” regarding rival Donald Trump, emphasizing he meant to focus on Trump’s actions.
- Shift in Campaign Focus:
- Biden urged his donors to shift the campaign focus from his debate performance to highlighting Trump’s behavior, stating, “It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.”
- Republican Criticism:
- Republicans accused Biden of fostering a climate that led to an assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
- Condemnation of Political Violence:
- Biden reiterated his stance against political violence amid these accusations.
- Commitment to Election Race:
- Despite concerns about his age and poor debate performance, Biden affirmed his commitment to remain in the race and address questions about his future.
- Comment on Trump’s Running Mate:
- Biden commented on Trump’s selection of Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, highlighting Vance’s alignment with Trump’s views and noting his past critical remarks about Trump.
- Highlighting Trump’s Actions:
- Biden focused on Trump’s falsehoods, refusal to accept the 2020 election results, and role in the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Condemnation of Trump’s Rhetoric:
- Biden condemned Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric, citing specific instances, and questioned how to address the threat to democracy posed by such statements.
- Biden’s Fitness for Reelection:
- Biden aimed to prove his fitness for a second term, emphasizing his responsiveness to the millions who voted for him.
