HIS ART OF THE ‘STEAL’
Joe afraid prez won’t abide by election result Don speech in Jax
PHILADELPHIA — Joe Biden is adopting an increasingly aggressive stance as he looks to break out of a monthslong campaign freeze imposed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Over the course of 24 hours, the presumptive Democratic nominee stepped up his rhetoric against President Trump, warning he could try to steal the election.
His campaign organized a petition pressing Facebook to boost efforts to prevent the spread of misinformation. And he released a plan to restart an economy crippled by the coronavirus in a way that he says won’t make Americans choose between their health and livelihoods.
The quick succession of developments was a signal of Biden’s growing desire to become more assertive on multiple fronts.
He’s betting that he can build momentum by offering a contrast to Trump’s leadership as the country is gripped by the pandemic, economic turmoil and unrest stemming from racial injustice and police brutality.
“Trump has basically had a one-point plan: Open businesses,” Biden said Thursday in Philadelphia, where he announced a plan to reopen the economy. “It does nothing to keep workers safe, to keep businesses able to stay open, and secondly it does very little to increase consumer confidence.”
If elected, Biden promised, among other things, to guarantee testing and protective equipment for people called back to work while prohibiting discrimination against elderly Americans and anyone else who is at high risk of contracting the virus. He also wants to use federal funds to ensure paid leave for anyone who falls ill or cares for those who do.
Biden also backed more funding for schools and child care centers as they reopen and the creation of a “safe shopper” program meant to make returning consumers less wary of getting sick as life begins returning to normal.
After remaining at home for months, Biden has begun holding public events within driving distance of his house in Delaware. But his more aggressive approach has so far not extended to resuming large campaign rallies.
Biden’s economic plan and Facebook criticism followed him saying his chief worry is that Trump will attempt to “steal” November’s election — and that he’s even considered the possibility that the president would refuse to leave the White House should he lose.
“My single greatest concern: This president’s going to try and steal this election,” Biden said on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” which aired Wednesday. “This is a guy who said all mail-in ballots are fraudulent, voting by mail, while he sits behind the desk in the Oval Office and writes his
Jacksonville, Florida, has been selected to host the celebration marking President Trump’s acceptance of his party’s nomination for reelection, the Republican National Committee chairwoman said Thursday.
The party’s more mundane business will still be held in Charlotte because of contractual obligations. mail-in ballot to vote in the primary.”
Biden was asked whether he’s considered what would happen if Trump refused to vacate the presidency in the event he wasn’t reelected. “I have,” the former vice president responded, before suggesting that the military could step in to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany responded that Biden was taking “a ridiculous proposition.”