In the wake of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump last week, US President Joe Biden highlighted the alarming rate of gunshot deaths among children in America, calling it both “stunning” and “sick.”
Speaking at the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Biden urged for the removal of weapons from America’s streets while simultaneously criticizing Trump’s policies.
“More children in America die of gunshot wounds than from any other cause. That is stunning and sick, and it’s sheer cowardice if we do nothing about it. If you want to stand against violence in America, then join me in getting these weapons of war off the streets of America,” Biden declared.
Biden criticized Trump for his past policies, stating, “He (Donald Trump) tried to repeal Obamacare to kick millions, including millions of black Americans, off their health insurance. He implemented a USD 2 trillion tax cut that overwhelmingly benefited the super-wealthy and the biggest corporations, exploding the federal debt more than any other president has in one term.”
Biden also blamed Trump for the mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its impact on black communities. “He left no room for us to do what we should be doing, like investing in childcare, elder care, and so much more that grow the economy and help people. This mismanagement of the pandemic was especially devastating to black communities,” Biden said.
Quoting Harry Truman, Biden remarked, “I’ve never delivered giving anyone hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell. Well, here’s the truth about why Donald Trump’s presidency was hell for black Americans.”
As the US presidential elections approach, Trump announced his selection of JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate on Monday, confirming the decision via social media.
President Joe Biden launched his re-election campaign in April 2023, describing the upcoming contest as a “stark choice” for voters between the continuation of democracy in America and its possible “destruction” under Trump. Trump, who began his campaign to reclaim the White House in November 2022, aims to become only the second commander-in-chief to win two non-consecutive terms in office.