Slappy Joe
Biden hits back at critics in fiery speech But Trump accuses him of being on drugs
JOE Biden banished fears he is in mental decline as he accused bitter rival Donald Trump of fostering resentment during a feisty speech.
The President angrily slapped down his predecessor in his State of the Union address and accused him of jeopardising freedom in the US and abroad with his rhetoric.
He never mentioned Mr Trump by name but in 13 digs at the Republican it was clear who he meant. His voice raised, Mr Biden’s aggressive tone was in contrast to his often bumbling appearances recently.
The 81-year-old, America’s oldest President, goaded the opposition over policies on immigration, taxes and much more on Thursday night.
But in typical fashion Mr Trump used his Truth Social platform to mock Mr Biden. In a live commentary he wrote: “The drugs are wearing off.”
LIES
During his 68-minute speech, the President hit out at those who overran the Capitol in the riots of January 6, 2021, which were egged on by Mr Trump after he refused to accept he had lost the 2020 election.
He said: “History is watching. My predecessor, and some of you here, seek to bury the truth about January 6, I will not do that.
“This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s a simple truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”
Joking about his age, Mr Biden added: “I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while. And when you get to my age, things become clearer than ever.
“My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America… honesty, decency, dignity, equality.
“To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbour. Now, some other people my age see a different story… an American story
He, and some here, seeks to bury the truth about January 6. I will not do that
MR BIDEN HAS A GO AT TRUMP OVER CAPITOL RIOTS IN 2021
of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me. Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time.”
Mr Biden vowed to continue supporting President Volodymyr
Zelensky in Ukraine’s war against Russia, that has now rumbled on for two years after Vladimir Putin’s invasion in February 2022.
He said: “We will not walk away. We will not bow down. I will not bow down.” His pledge was met by a roar of support from those in Congress.
Mr Biden and Mr Trump look almost certain to face each other again on the November 5 election in a rerun of 2020 ballot.
Aides said the President was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle the opposition over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on abortion, but also healthcare. The Republicans showcased the youngest woman elected to the Senate to deliver their rebuttals to Mr Biden.
Alabama Senator Katie Britt said: “The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader.”