Trump actions ‘criminal’
Biden slams president over handling of virus
PHILADELPHIA: Joe Biden has lashed President Donald Trump over his “close to criminal” handling of the coronavirus as the Democrat fielded questions from voters impacted by the pandemic in a state that is key to his election hopes.
Returning to the gritty city of his birth, the former vice president engaged in an outdoor town hall in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he painted himself as the champion of hardworking Americans who he said have been ignored by a president more concerned about boosting Wall Street than helping working families.
Mr Biden, appearing energised as he handled questions, also accused Mr Trump of knowing the seriousness of the virus threat early this year and hiding it from the nation.
“He knew it and did nothing. It’s close to criminal,” Mr Biden said in one of several fiery criticisms of Mr Trump.
“This president should step down,” he added.
The 77-year-old candidate also used a populist inflection, framing the 2020 election between him and billionaire real estate mogul Mr Trump as “a campaign between Scranton and Park Avenue”. Blue-collar Americans – like the family Mr Biden grew up in – “are as good as anybody else,” he said.
“And guys like Trump, who inherited everything and squandered what they inherited, are the people that I’ve always found a problem with – not the people who are busting their neck.” The tough remarks appeared aimed at workingclass white voters with whom he must do better if he is to win back swing states that went to Mr Trump in 2016.
Mr Biden also showed his empathetic side when speaking to questioners who had medical ailments, whose relatives died from COVID-19 or who were suffering financially. “Thank you for what you do,” he told a nurse who voted for Mr Trump in 2016.
With less than seven weeks before the November 3 election, Mr Biden has ramped up his public appearances after spending large chunks of time at his Delaware home, even as Mr Trump repeatedly barnstorms swing states.
The president returned to Wisconsin on Thursday for a public rally fuelled by his signature bravado – a contrast to Mr Biden’s quieter style.
Ahead of his departure, Mr Trump railed on Twitter against the move by many states to encourage voters to mail in their ballots, thereby avoiding possible coronavirus risks in polling stations.
The shift, which is popular with Democrats, will promote “ELECTION MAYHEM,” he tweeted.