Biden rejects criticism that he’s ‘hiding’ amid pandemic
Former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday rejected the notion that he is “hiding” at his Delaware home amid the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that he is complying with public health guidelines and declaring that he is “winning” against President Donald Trump.
Biden has faced mounting concerns from Democratic donors, former Obama administration officials and aides to former 2020 primary rivals that his from-the-basement campaign has left him far less visible to voters than Trump. Many of these allies argue that, while Biden leads Trump in many current polls, the presumptive Democratic nominee and his campaign need to become more nimble and creative against a president who dominates attention through televised appearances and use of social media.
Asked by George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “Good Morning America” when he will “be back on the campaign trail,” Biden, appearing from the makeshift television studio at his home, said he is “on the campaign trail now.”
“Everybody says, you know, ‘Biden’s hiding,’ but I tell you something, we’re doing very well,” Biden said. “We’re winning, if you look at all the polling data. I’m not saying that’s going to last until November, I don’t know, but right now the idea that somehow we are being hurt by my keeping to the rules and following the instructions that are put forward by the docs is absolutely bizarre.”
Biden said he is following guidance put forward by health officials such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, who said at a Senate hearing — delivered by teleconference — that Americans would experience “some suffering and death that could be avoided” if the country opens up prematurely. Biden condemned Trump for defying public health officials’ calls to wear face masks around other people to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
“I’m getting really frustrated with, not you, but this, the whole notion that somehow we can just open, we can move,” Biden said. “I’m anxious to go out and campaign, George, you know, when I campaign I’m usually the first one there and the last one to leave. I enjoy interfacing with people. I’m not trying to avoid it, but I’m trying to set an example as to how we should proceed in terms of dealing with this health and economic crisis.”
The interview appeared as Biden received the endorsement of Stacey Abrams, the former Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia. She is among those Biden is said to be considering as a running mate.
Biden also criticized Trump for his false assertions that any American who wants to be tested can be tested. “The truth is, George, anyone can’t get a test around the country,” Biden said. “It’s a fantasyland that he’s talking about.”