Biden’s New Tactic: Taunts and Jokes to Rattle Trump
WASHINGTON ― During a visit to Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, President Joe Biden addressed his supporters, downplaying recent polls that show him trailing in his reelection bid. He reminded the audience that the race isn’t solely about him but also about the alternative. Biden then turned to his favorite five-letter word starting with “L” to describe former President Donald Trump.
“My opponent is not a good loser. But he is a loser,” Biden quipped, drawing laughter and applause.
Biden’s Zingers Take Aim at Trump
In his race against Trump, Biden is increasingly employing his own arsenal of insults and jokes to get under Trump’s skin. This approach aims to remind voters of Trump’s personal and professional shortcomings.
Biden frequently recalls Trump’s controversial suggestion to inject disinfectant to treat COVID-19. “Just inject bleach,” Biden said in Detroit, mocking Trump. “I think that’s what he did. That’s why he’s so screwy.” He also joked that Trump “missed” with the bleach and it “all went to his hair.”
At a recent fundraiser in Seattle, Biden referred to Trump as “Sleepy Don,” referencing reports of Trump falling asleep during court appearances. This was a direct response to Trump’s long-standing nickname for Biden, “sleepy Joe.”
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While these taunts are meant to show Biden standing up to Trump, it’s uncertain if they are making a significant impact. Trump’s ongoing legal dramas continue to dominate media attention, potentially overshadowing Biden’s jabs.
A Strategy to Provoke
Biden’s taunts are part of a strategy to provoke Trump and highlight his flaws. However, some question whether Biden, known for his empathy and decency, is the right person for such attacks.
“The problem is, Joe Biden’s just too nice a guy to be doing that,” said Drew Westen, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Emory University. “People might get a chuckle, but it doesn’t hit the same way as when Trump uses those kinds of low blows.”
Biden has used various jokes about Trump in recent speeches. One involves meeting a “defeated-looking man” burdened by debt. “I had to say to him, ‘I’m sorry, Donald, I can’t help you,'” Biden recounted, alluding to Trump’s legal troubles.
Biden also mocked Trump’s “God Bless the USA Bible,” sold for $59.99, suggesting the “miracle” described in the Dobbs Supreme Court decision might come from that Bible. He further ridiculed Trump’s social media site Truth Social, saying if its stock drops any lower, Trump might benefit more from Biden’s tax plan.
Insults in U.S. Politics: A Long History
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung responded to Biden’s quips, calling the Biden campaign failing and predicting significant challenges ahead.
Insults in American politics are nothing new. Historical figures often exchanged barbs, with former President John Adams referring to Alexander Hamilton as a “bastard brat.” In the 19th century, newspapers and politicians hurled creative insults at each other, though this practice toned down as the U.S. became an international power.
The rhetoric heated up again in the Reagan era, with President George H.W. Bush using “liberal” as an insult against Michael Dukakis. In 2016, Trump took this to another level, calling Hillary Clinton “Crooked Hillary” and encouraging chants of “lock her up.”
Biden’s current strategy seems aimed at turning the tables on Trump, who is known for being thin-skinned when insulted. By provoking Trump, Biden hopes to show Democrats can stand up to Republicans and potentially provoke Trump into making damaging statements.
While this approach hasn’t significantly shifted the dynamics of the 2024 election, it reflects a calculated effort to engage Trump on his own terms and highlight the stark contrasts between the two candidates.
