Why it matters: Biden’s comments that “MAGA Republicans” are a “threat” to democracy and other criticisms of former President Trump and his “Make America Great Again” movement are some of the most pointed yet. Worth noting: Biden’s comments at a Democratic fundraiser earlier in the evening that “it’s not just Trump, it’s the whole philosophy behind the — I’ll say something — it’s like semi-fascism” drew the ire of some Republicans.
Republican National Committee spokesman Nathan Brandt called Biden’s comments “abhorrent” in a statement to news outlets.
What he says: “MAGA Republicans don’t just threaten our personal rights and economic security,” Biden said. “They are a threat to our very democracy. They refuse to accept the will of the people. They embrace … political violence. They do not believe in democracy.
“That’s why right now, those of you who love this country — Democrats, independents, mainstream Republicans — need to be stronger,” he added. Biden also told the cheering crowd that in 2020 “you and 81 million Americans voted to save our democracy” — and “that’s why Donald Trump is not just a former president, he’s a defeated former president.”
The big picture: During his speech, Biden seized on the key differences between Republicans and Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.
“I want to be clear about what’s on the ballot this year,” Biden said. “Your right to choose is on the ballot this year. Social Security you’ve paid for since you had a job is on the ballot. Keeping our children safe from gun violence is on the ballot.” Addressing some conservatives’ push for a national abortion ban, Biden said: “The MAGA Republicans have no idea about the power of women. Let me tell you something: they’re going to find out.”
Meanwhile, Biden backed the Democrats’ policies to tackle climate change, saying: “It’s not hyperbole — the very survival of our planet is on the ballot.” Between the lines: Biden’s comments come as a Fox News poll this week shows Democrats are just as motivated for the midterm elections as Republicans, a shift from previous polls.
Democratic strategists are crediting the decision by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority to overturn Roe v Wade as a motivator for otherwise disillusioned Democrats to show up in the midterm elections — though the overall picture looks bleak, Axios’ Josh Kraushaar writes.
The flip side: “Biden has forced Americans out of their jobs, transferred money from working families to Harvard lawyers, and driven our country into recession while families can’t afford gas and groceries,” he said Brad in his statement.
“Democrats don’t care about suffering Americans — never have.” Representatives for the RNC and President Trump did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.
Go deeper: The rise of the ultra-MAGA right could play into the Dems’ hands Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
