He is taking aim at Trump
The initial advertisement for President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection campaign, unveiled ahead of the third anniversary of the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, characterizes millions of Donald Trump supporters as “extremists.” Entitled “Cause,” the video, released on Thursday, emphasizes Biden’s commitment to the “preservation of American democracy” as the central theme of his reelection bid.
In the ad’s voiceover, Biden expresses concern about a “dangerous” trend in America, highlighting an extremist movement that diverges from the fundamental principles of democracy. The ad urges Americans to consider what actions they will take to safeguard democracy, with Biden emphasizing the global significance of the moment, stating, “History’s watching. The world is watching.”
The video incorporates still images from the Capitol riot, featuring masked and hooded protesters displaying Trump signs, alongside brief video clips depicting torch-bearing and Confederate-flag-waving demonstrators in white nationalist rallies.
Biden calls for unity around the cause of preserving democracy, asserting his longstanding support for voting rights. While avoiding direct mentions of Trump in previous discussions on January 6, the campaign plans to adopt a more assertive stance towards the former president in the lead-up to a speech commemorating the riot.
This isn’t the first time Biden has associated political support for Trump with “extremism.” In a September 2022 speech, he characterized Trump and MAGA Republicans as representing an extremism that poses a threat to the foundations of the republic.
Criticism of the ad emerged from Christian leaders and conservative figures, including author Eric Metaxas, who likened Biden to King George III and accused him of labeling liberty-loving Americans as “extremists.” Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk criticized the Democratic strategy of removing Trump from the ballot in several states while touting Biden’s supposed commitment to “voting rights.”
The controversy extends to legal battles seeking to exclude Trump from the 2024 ballot based on the 14th Amendment, alleging his involvement in the Capitol riot. Notably, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled against placing Trump on the state’s 2024 ballot, a decision upheld by Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who attended a White House campaign event for Biden. Similar efforts are underway in other states, invoking a disputed legal theory tied to the 14th Amendment, even though Trump has not been charged or convicted of insurrection or rebellion.
In August, a federal grand jury indicted Trump on four counts related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
