He’s gearing for a second round.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden shared his perspective on the eligibility of former President Donald Trump to be on the ballot for this year’s election, stating that he saw no issue with it. Responding to a reporter’s query about whether Trump should be allowed on the ballot, Biden casually remarked, “As far as I’m concerned, that’s fine.” This statement was made just before he departed for a trip to Florida from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, boarding Marine One.
Biden’s comment coincides with the ongoing legal considerations surrounding Trump’s candidacy. Last month, Biden asserted that Trump had “certainly supported an insurrection” and deferred the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, addressing those who have engaged in insurrection, to the courts. The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments next week in a Colorado ballot case that could have implications for Trump’s candidacy in multiple states.
In the Colorado case, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that Trump violated a provision of the 14th Amendment, rendering him ineligible for office. Trump’s legal team contends that a president does not qualify as an “officer of the United States” and disputes the assertion that he engaged in insurrection. They urge the Supreme Court to reverse these disqualification efforts.
Biden consistently frames the upcoming election as pivotal for preserving democracy, frequently referencing the January 6, 2021 insurrection. In a speech marking three years since the event, Biden underscored the election’s significance and posed a question about the identity of the nation in the face of such challenges.
When questioned about Trump leading in polls despite posing a perceived threat to democracy, Biden responded humorously, stating, “Because guys like you,” before clarifying that he was teasing. This exchange reflects the broader narrative of Biden’s emphasis on the election’s importance against the backdrop of the events of January 6th.
