Biden says he's an optimist. But his dire warnings about Trump have become central to his campaign
Joe Biden ends nearly every speech by saying he's «never been more optimistic» about the country's direction. But lately he also has begun painting a vision of a catastrophic future for the United States — that is, if Donald Trump returns to the presidency. Biden in recent days has accused the former Republican president of being «determined to destroy American democracy» and being out for «revenge» and «retribution.»
Biden's reelection campaign is sending more emails with stark warnings: «Trump's America in 2025: A Unilateral National Abortion Ban» and «Trump's America in 2025: Mass Detention Camps.» Trump has proposed the largest operation to arrest and deport migrants in U.S.
history. He has not endorsed a a federal ban on abortion.
Contrasting Biden and Trump was always going to be central to the Democratic president's 2024 strategy.
But there was a time when Trump only merited short and derisive mentions in Biden's speeches, if Trump was mentioned at all.
Today, Biden's campaign has sharply increased its references to Trump with just under a year until the election. The change reflects how, with Biden low in the polls, lukewarm Democratic voters might be more motivated by stopping Trump than hearing about investments in infrastructure and renewable energy.
Biden has acknowledged that many voters don't feel great about the economy. Voters are frustrated by high inflation and have concerns about his age. At nearly 81, Biden is already the oldest person elected president.
