Even After Biden Dropped Out, He Remains a Prime Rally Focus for Trump
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Former President Donald Trump continues to make President Joe Biden a focal point of his rallies, even after Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. At a recent rally in Minnesota, Trump’s rhetoric echoed the campaign style he employed before the assassination attempt and the subsequent launch of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.
In front of a fervent crowd, Trump took aim at Biden, mocking everything from his golf skills to his cognitive abilities. He ridiculed Biden’s public appearances, portraying him as confused and incapable, even mimicking his walking style to emphasize his point. This tactic of derision is not new for Trump, who has long used humor and mockery as tools to connect with his supporters.
As Trump shifted his focus to Harris, he maintained a narrative that linked her to Biden’s perceived failures. He characterized her as a “radical left lunatic,” emphasizing her record on immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump’s comments suggested that the Democratic Party’s leadership is in disarray, framing Biden’s exit as a “coup” orchestrated by his own party. “We have a new victim now, Kamala,” Trump declared, underscoring his belief that Harris is now the target of his campaign’s criticisms.
The Trump campaign has been quick to conflate the records of Biden and Harris, asserting that “Biden’s record is Kamala’s record.” This strategy aims to hold Harris accountable for the challenges faced during Biden’s presidency, including the border crisis and rising inflation. Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, stated, “She owns and is complicit in every bad thing that has happened.”
Before Trump took the stage, his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, also targeted Harris, labeling her as “wacky” and “out of touch.” The Harris campaign responded sharply, describing Trump as a “bitter, unhinged, 78-year-old convicted felon.” Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika criticized Trump’s fixation on Biden, questioning, “Does he remember who his opponent is?”
Despite the ongoing attacks, a recent New York Times/Siena poll indicates a tight race between Trump and Harris, with 48% of likely voters favoring Trump and 47% supporting Harris, a margin that falls within the poll’s error range. This close contest highlights the significance of Trump’s continued focus on Biden, suggesting that even in absence, Biden’s legacy and persona remain potent tools in Trump’s political arsenal.
As the 2024 race evolves, it is clear that Trump’s strategy will continue to revolve around his adversaries, using their perceived weaknesses to galvanize his base and draw attention to his campaign. The dynamics of the race may shift, but for now, Biden remains a central figure in Trump’s narrative, illustrating the enduring impact of the former president’s campaign style.