In a departure from his usual practice of avoiding direct references to his political rival, President Joe Biden has escalated his rhetoric against Donald Trump, portraying him as a direct threat to the democratic fabric of the United States. This shift follows a Colorado court ruling against Trump’s appearance on the state’s primary ballot, preventing his participation based on alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol assault.
Biden, who had previously refrained from mentioning Trump by name, humorously likened him to the Harry Potter character Voldemort, “He Who Must Not Be Named.” Recent legal developments seem to have prompted this change in approach, allowing Biden to voice concerns about Trump’s impact on democracy without fueling the narrative of a political witch hunt.
The court’s decision in Colorado, invoking the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits individuals engaged in insurrection from holding office, adds a legal dimension to the political drama. Biden refrains from definitively stating whether the 14th Amendment applies but emphasizes Trump’s alleged support for insurrection.
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As Trump gains momentum in the polls and Democratic supporters call for a more assertive stance from Biden, the president has shed his reserved approach. Biden now regularly addresses Trump by name, drawing comparisons to dictators of the past and openly criticizing his actions.
This strategic shift is driven by concerns about declining poll numbers and a perceived lack of resonance with voters. Biden’s team had initially intended to focus on the president’s achievements, highlighting economic growth and low unemployment. However, under mounting pressure, Biden has started to directly counter Republican inquiries into his son Hunter’s business dealings.
The change in strategy involves reminding voters of his victory over Trump in 2020 and presenting himself as the safeguard against threats to America’s democratic foundations. Biden now frames the election as a pivotal moment for the country’s democratic principles, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
