At a pivotal time for the nation, perhaps President Joe Biden could be served some grace for his verbal stumbles and communication gaffes.
But during an exponentially important address to Americans, the 81-year-old’s missteps seemed more telling than ever.
Following a milquetoast message Sunday afternoon, in which Biden announced the attempted assassination of a former president was “not appropriate,” he spoke from the Oval Office to urge a change of behavior from Americans while taking no accountability.
Tonight, President Biden addressed the nation on the need for Americans to lower the temperature in our politics.
Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy, but politics must never be a literal battlefield. pic.twitter.com/jc0ZNGyAvr
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 15, 2024
Besides acknowledging how much was unknown at the time about the shooter, his “opinions or affiliations,” Biden declared that “violence has never been the answer” as he spouted off examples that conveniently did not include any committed by the left.
In one eyebrow-raising moment, he reminded everyone, “In America, we resolve our differences at the battle box. That’s how we do it. At the battle box.”
Join me as I address the nation from the Oval Office. https://t.co/0lbRNEt6OH
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 15, 2024
Interestingly, the official White House transcript not only shows the correction – twice – but has the original spelled “battol” and not “battle” as everyone heard it.
(Image: screenshot White House)
If the president can be given credit though, he was sharp enough to realize when he was on the cliff’s edge of sounding like a mega-MAGA supporter.
“You know, we’re blessed to live in the greatest country on Earth. And I believe that with every soul — every power of my being,” he said as he gathered steam.
“So, tonight, I’m asking every American to recommit to make America so — make America what it i- — think about it,” Biden stumbled then saved himself. “What’s made America so special?”
No sooner had Biden wrapped up his official reading of the teleprompter than former President Donald Trump posted a simple message, perhaps the one Biden was trying to get through amid his political rhetoric.
UNITE AMERICA!
Donald Trump Truth Social 02:09 PM EST 07/14/2024 @realDonaldTrump
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 14, 2024
Social media was all over the Biden address but the two moments highlighted certainly prompted a lot of feedback.
I would have laughed myself to tears if Joe Biden had said, Make America Great Again.
— Jeff Wright (@1991Wolfpack) July 15, 2024
He almost said it!! 😆
— politicofolitico (@politicofolitic) July 15, 2024
He’s a closet MAGA for sure 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
— Glenda (@Glendaragnarson) July 15, 2024
if you’re looking for a peaceful resolution.. i would suggest trying the ballot box instead of the battle box
— ZAQ RIDER (@zaqrider) July 15, 2024
He even said “battle box” twice just in case he wasn’t clear the first time. 🤔
— CatDog99 (@dog99_cat) July 15, 2024
