During the 80th anniversary commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France, President Joe Biden used his speech to denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “tyrant” and implored the world to “save democracy in our time.”
This sentiment echoed Biden’s campaign rhetoric, where he has depicted former President Donald Trump as a foe of democracy. (Trump delivered a well-received speech at the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019.)
“Ukraine has been invaded by a tyrant, bent on domination,” Biden cautioned. He noted that Ukrainians had inflicted “staggering” losses on Russia, adding, “Nearly one million people have left Russia because they can no longer see a future in Russia.”
“We will not walk away. Because if we do … it will not end there … All of Europe will be threatened,” he asserted. “To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable.”
He continued, “Will we stand against tyranny, against evil, against the crushing brutality of the iron fist? Will we stand for freedom? Will we defend democracy? Will we stand together? My answer is yes, and only can be yes.”
He concluded, “Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it, and fight for it.”
