Biden Addresses Nebraska Democrats: ‘The Party is Back’

Former President Joe Biden energized Nebraska Democrats on Friday, declaring their party “is back” in the wake of significant electoral victories. Biden also unleashed a pointed critique of President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining the Constitution and slashing vital healthcare and food assistance for millions of Americans.

Setting the Stage at the Ben Nelson Gala

Speaking at the Nebraska Democratic Party’s “Ben Nelson Gala” in Omaha, Biden, 82, urged Republicans to put an end to the ongoing government shutdown. He also reflected on his late son, Beau Biden, suggesting he would have been a better president than himself.

“The Democratic Party is back. That’s not hyperbole,” Biden proclaimed. “Did you see the election results?”

Recent Election Wins Boost Democratic Morale

Biden’s remarks come on the heels of notable victories in gubernatorial races by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.). Additionally, the Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani secured a surprising win to become New York City’s next mayor. These results are particularly striking, considering just a year ago, former Vice President Kamala Harris suffered a major defeat against Trump.

Following a lackluster debate performance against Trump, Biden withdrew from the race, allowing Harris to ascend to the top of the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket.

Message to Trump and His Supporters

Biden stated that the electoral outcomes signaled a clear message to Trump and his supporters. He charged the current president with trampling on democratic principles and serving the interests of the wealthy.

“I just want you to know you work for us, Mr. President. We don’t work for you,” Biden asserted. “You work for us, not just billionaires and millionaires. You know, this is democracy. And the fact of the matter is that there are no kings in democracies. None. None. But you act in a way that embarrasses the nation.”

Healthcare Crisis and Rural Hospitals

Biden highlighted the consequences of Trump’s policies on healthcare, claiming that more than 300 rural hospitals across America, including two in Nebraska, are projected to shut down due to Republican cuts. He decried these changes as “immoral,” “un-American,” and “flat-out wrong.”

Having recently battled cancer himself, Biden paid tribute to the healthcare workers supporting him. He shared a poignant story about his late son, Beau, who he said “should have been the president, not me.” Biden recounted the tragic impact of Beau’s cancer on their family, attributing it to his son’s military service in Iraq and exposure to burn pits.

Criticism of Trump’s White House Plans

Biden further criticized Trump’s proposal to construct a new ballroom at the White House, after demolishing the East Wing. To Biden, this exemplified the shortcomings of Trump’s presidency.

“When I left the presidency, President Trump was going to take a wrecking ball to the country, but I had no idea it would be an actual wrecking ball,” Biden quipped. “Anyone see what he’s done to the East Wing of the people’s house? Trump has taken a wrecking ball not only to the people’s house, but to the Constitution, to the rule of law, to our very democracy.”

Confronting Hunger and Economic Inequality

As the discourse continued, Biden accused Trump of “deliberately making hunger worse,” highlighting alarming statistics that “one in five children go to bed hungry every night” in America. He juxtaposed this grim reality with Trump’s extravagant lifestyle, referencing a recent “Great Gatsby” themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago while millions faced cuts to food assistance.

“On Friday, everyone dressed up like the rich folks they are from the Roaring Twenties and on Saturday he cut assistance to 40 million Americans,” Biden remarked, emphasizing the stark contrast between Trump’s lifestyle and the plight of average Americans.

White House Response and Next Steps

The White House did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment regarding Biden’s speech. As the political landscape remains charged, all eyes are on the upcoming elections and the potential ramifications of these developments.

Conclusion

Biden’s remarks in Nebraska highlight the Democratic Party’s renewed optimism following recent electoral wins, while also illustrating the ongoing battle against Trump’s administration’s policies. As the political discourse evolves, the stakes for both parties continue to rise, setting the stage for a contentious electoral season ahead.