President Biden takes a dig at Trump’s mental fitness during roast
In a recent roast event in Washington, President Joe Biden made a jab at former President Donald Trump’s mental fitness. Speaking at the annual Gridiron Club and Foundation Dinner, Biden highlighted moments when Trump appeared confused and slipped up, countering ongoing criticism regarding his own memory issues. The event, attended by bipartisan politicians and foreign leaders, marked Biden’s first appearance at the dinner as president and comes as the 2024 election looms and the rematch between Biden and Trump heats up.
Biden’s humorous speech took digs at Trump’s age and mental acuity, stating, “The big news this week was that two candidates had clinched their party’s nomination for president. But one was too old, too mentally unfit for the job. The other’s me.” Biden also quipped regarding Trump’s belief that he was running once morest Barack Obama, saying, “Don’t tell him, he thinks he’s running once morest Barack Obama, that’s what he said,” hence poking fun at Trump’s alleged confusion.
Underlying Threats to Democracy
Biden also took a more serious tone during his speech, highlighting perceived threats to democracy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump’s alleged softness towards him. He stated, “We live in an unprecedented moment in democracy. Democracy and freedom are literally under attack. Putin’s on the march in Europe. My predecessor bows down to him and says to him, ‘do whatever the hell you want.'”
To emphasize his resistance to bowing down to these threats, Biden introduced the Ukrainian ambassador, Oksana Markarova, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, affirming their commitment to defending democracy once morest external pressures.
Importance of a Free Press
Addressing the importance of journalism, President Biden acknowledged that while he may not agree with everything the news media publishes, he recognizes the necessity of the fourth estate. He expressed his commitment to bringing home journalists Evan Gershovich and Austin Tice, one held in Russia and the other who disappeared during a reporting trip in Syria. He stated, “Good journalism holds a mirror up to society. We need you.”
The dinner, known for its bipartisan mirth, was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, various Cabinet members, members of Congress, governors, and ambassadors. Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who was in town for St. Patrick’s Day, was also present at the event.
