Biden Criticizes Trump in Remarks Honoring Jimmy Carter
Even those who acknowledge their own moral flaws often struggle to tolerate blatant hypocrisy.
On Sunday, former President Jimmy Carter, celebrated for his personal integrity but often criticized for his presidency, passed away at the age of 100.
Later that day, President Joe Biden, appearing somewhat frail during his remarks from his vacation retreat on St. Croix in the Caribbean, paid tribute to Carter. In doing so, he subtly criticized the incoming president, Donald Trump.
To be fair, Biden’s comment was a response to a pointed question from a member of the media.
“What can President Trump take from President Carter?” a reporter asked after Biden concluded his prepared statement.
While the first part of the question was partially drowned out by other voices, its intent was unmistakable: perpetuate a negative narrative about Trump.
Biden didn’t hesitate.
“Decency, decency, decency,” he repeated emphatically, his facial expression reminiscent of a caricature as he spoke.
It was remarkable to hear a man whose political career has been marred by controversy offer a lesson in morality.
After decades of benefiting personally and politically from his position, Biden added, “[E]verybody deserves a shot. Everybody.”
He continued: “Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking past someone in need without offering help? Can you imagine him judging someone based on their appearance or how they speak? I can’t.”
This coming from the same man who once told Black voters, “you ain’t Black” if they didn’t support him over Trump.
For those who wish to hear Biden’s full remarks, the key moment criticizing Trump begins around 8:10 in the YouTube video linked below.
Unsurprisingly, Biden’s frail delivery served as a stark reminder of the countdown to Trump’s return in just 21 days. Many believe the nation couldn’t have survived another term under Biden’s leadership.
However, the real issue here isn’t just the outgoing president’s record but the irony of his words. Speaking about “decency” after years of contentious rhetoric and actions is jarring.
For example, Biden spent years vilifying Trump supporters, labeling them as “garbage” and deploying federal agencies against them. Turning his administration’s resources against Trump himself even prompted Tucker Carlson to describe him as a “wannabe dictator.”
Memories of Biden’s smirk when questioned about Trump’s claims of political persecution remain fresh.
Additionally, Biden’s interactions have often raised eyebrows, particularly his unsettling encounters with women and children.
Equally troubling were his dismissive reactions to tragedies, such as the grief-stricken families of the 13 service members killed in Afghanistan or his infamous “no comment” about the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.
In the end, while the reporter’s question was undoubtedly leading, hearing Biden deliver a lecture on “decency” felt beyond hypocritical.