US President Joe Biden has made a strong assertion regarding his re-election bid, revealing that during discussions with world leaders at various summits, the majority expressed their concerns about the prospect of his predecessor, Donald Trump, winning the 2024 Presidential elections. Biden said this sentiment was common among world leaders during various international meetings, including the G20 summit held in India, where leaders cited potential threats to their democracies if Trump were to become the President of the United States in the November 5 polls.
Joined by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton at a high-profile fundraiser in New York, Biden reiterated the urgency of defeating Trump in the upcoming elections. Addressing the gathering, Biden said that Trump’s ominous statements regarding potential consequences if he were to lose again were deeply concerning. “Trump says if he loses again…there will be a ‘bloodbath’. What the hell is with this guy? No, I’m really serious. It concerns me the most,” Biden said.
Biden’s remarks shed light on the international community’s unease regarding the implications of another Trump presidency.
During his speech, Biden further criticised Trump’s approach to international alliances, particularly highlighting his withdrawal from NATO and accommodating stance towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. “This is a guy who walked away from NATO…told Putin he could do whatever he wants if they’re not paying their dues,” Biden said.
“Just — just look at what he’s done. The rest of the world is wondering what in the hell is happening to us. And they’re relieved, not because I’m so special but that I’m not Trump. I’m serious. I wish it was because they thought Biden was such a wonderful guy, ” Biden said amidst laughter.
“I think they respect me. I think they listen to me. But the point is, it’s because they’re scared to death for their countries if he (Trump) were to win again,” Biden said.
All Americans including Democrats, independents, and Republicans should say that there is no place ever for political violence, for physical violence in the country’s political system, he said.
“We’re at a real inflection point in history. Things are changing. This guy denies there is global warming. This guy wants to get rid of not only Roe v. Wade (right to abortion) – by the way which he brags about having done – he wants to get rid of the ability of anyone anywhere in America to have the right to choose. All the things he’s doing are so old,” Biden said.
Clinton said voters should put aside their differences given the stakes of the race.
Clinton accused Trump while in office of taking credit for an economy that had started improving under Obama and said Biden later inherited “a mess” left by Trump.
“Joe is absolutely right that we’ve got not just a nominee, but frankly a party and an entire infrastructure that increasingly seems unconcerned with the essence of America,” Obama said of Trump and Republicans.
“But we also have a positive story to tell about the future,” he said.
(With inputs from agencies)