The Justification for Biden’s Speech
AtlanticDec 24, 2022
The Facts
In a speech in Philadelphia on Thurs., US Pres. Biden said former Pres. Trump and MAGA Republicans - those supportive of Trump's 2016 Make America Great Again agenda - pose a "clear and present danger" to American Democracy.
He urged Americans to counter what he claims are dark forces within the GOP that are determined to take the US "backwards to an America where there is no right to choose, no right to privacy, no right to contraception, no right to marry who you love."
The Spin
Republican narrative
In a feigned attempt to unite the country, Biden has demonized half the population and created a deeper divide between the two political sides. Rather than fabricating so-called threats, he should focus on the crises that are ongoing: catastrophic foreign policy decisions, extreme gas prices, and soaring inflation.
Democratic narrative
The only thing offensive about Biden's speech was the Republicans' outraged reaction, which is disingenuous considering they themselves have criticized Trump's agenda in the past. Biden rightly spoke up for democracy, free and fair elections, and the need to fight the fascist tendencies of a small portion of the population.