Biden: GOP Worse Than Segregationists

President Joe Biden criticized Congressional Republicans during a fundraising event in San Francisco, comparing them unfavorably to past racist and segregationist lawmakers, including Strom Thurmond. Biden, who had served alongside Thurmond, noted that while Thurmond had done “terrible things,” he had also taken positive actions, such as voting to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act. In contrast, Biden asserted that present-day Republicans in Congress are “worse” than Thurmond and others, claiming they do not believe in basic democratic principles and have shown themselves to be “the party of chaos and division.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) swiftly criticized Biden’s remarks, calling them “outrageous” and accusing the President of playing the race card due to his low popularity and polling numbers.

At the fundraiser, Biden shared an anecdote about his interactions with other heads of state, highlighting their concerns about the 2024 election and their belief that his victory was crucial for the preservation of democracy. Biden recounted that numerous heads of state had expressed the sentiment that his success was necessary to protect their democracies.

This is not the first time Biden has faced criticism for his comments on past segregationist lawmakers. During the 2020 Democratic primary, Biden drew backlash for speaking positively about the “civility” in the Senate during the 1970s and 80s, citing his ability to work with segregationists like James Eastland and Herman Talmadge. Biden later apologized for his remarks, acknowledging the pain they had caused and clarifying that he did not intend to glorify or excuse their actions. In his recent comments about Thurmond, Biden reiterated that he was not attempting to elevate Thurmond’s legacy but rather highlighting a specific aspect of his record.

Despite Biden’s criticism of Congressional Republicans and his assertions about the importance of his reelection, he faces ongoing challenges within his own party and in the broader political landscape. As the 2024 election approaches, Biden’s comments and actions will continue to be scrutinized, particularly regarding issues of race, democracy, and leadership.