On Monday, President Joe Biden made a surprise call to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, taking aim at Democrats who have publicly called for him to withdraw from the presidential race. “Any of these guys that don’t think I should run, run against me. Announce for president. Challenge me at the convention,” Biden declared, his tone fiery and defiant.
Biden’s remarks came on the heels of a letter he released earlier that day, reiterating his commitment to running for re-election. He also poked fun at those who have challenged him, saying they should put their money where their mouth is and run against him themselves.
One Democrat, Marianne Williamson, has already announced plans to challenge Biden at the Democratic National Convention in August, calling for an open convention that would allow delegates to vote for whoever they choose. Others, including former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, have hinted that they might consider running if Biden withdraws, but few have directly challenged the President.
During his call to Morning Joe, Biden also took aim at former President Donald Trump, criticizing his policies on women’s rights, tax cuts for the rich, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He even compared Trump unfavorably to George Wallace, a prominent segregationist. “He makes George Wallace look like a patriot,” Biden said.
Civil rights icon Al Sharpton weighed in on Biden’s performance, praising the President’s determination and resolve. “That’s the Joe Biden that came from behind in 2020 and won after going way behind in Iowa and New Hampshire,” Sharpton said.
The call may help stall speculation about Biden’s future and reinforce his position as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Congressional Democrats are expected to discuss how to apply pressure on the President to reconsider his decision to run, but for now, Biden remains committed to his re-election bid.
