US President Joe Biden admitted it was a mistake to say “time to put Trump in a bullseye,” days before the attempted assassination of his election rival. In his first interview since the incident, Biden defended his rhetoric, emphasising the importance of clearly communicating the threat of a second Trump term. He stated that Democrats needed to focus on Trump, his policies, and his false statements during the recent presidential debate.
Throughout the interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, Biden insisted he would not step aside in the presidential race despite poor debate performance and calls from his party members. “I’m old,” he acknowledged, but noted he’s only three years older than Trump and listed his presidential accomplishments, reaffirming his capability for the job.
Biden has called for Americans to “lower the temperature” since Saturday’s shooting, where Trump’s ear was grazed by a bullet, resulting in one crowd member’s death and two others critically injured. Republicans have blamed Biden and other Democrats for inciting the attempt, citing Biden’s “bullseye” comment. JD Vance, Trump’s newly announced running mate, claimed Democratic rhetoric led to the assassination attempt.
Biden, in an Oval Office address, denounced the attack and urged Americans to “take a step back,” warning about heated political rhetoric. When questioned if he had reflected on his past remarks, Biden denied engaging in inflammatory rhetoric, contrasting himself with Trump.
The FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, a registered Republican from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper after firing at Trump.
Source ~ BBC
NNEOMA UDENSI
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