Joe Biden Speech: Watch: Joe Biden struggles to find stage exit after speech against Donald Trump
Former President Joe Biden appeared to briefly struggle to find his way off the stage after delivering a pointed speech attacking President Donald Trump at the Democrats’ Counterattack and Victory Summit in Maryland on Saturday.At the end of his speech, Biden looked to the side of the stage for guidance, pointing in two different directions as he sought confirmation, then exited with his back to the audience after being shown the correct route.The moment came after the 83-year-old defended his presidency and launched one of his strongest public attacks on Trump since leaving office.Speaking at the event near Baltimore, Biden criticized Trump’s foreign and domestic policies, accusing him of pursuing “vanity projects” and corruption.“This isn’t just a vanity project for him — tearing down the East Wing of the White House to make room for his ballroom. Placing his name in the Kennedy Center. Building an arch in his own name. Even hiring his own pool workers to fix the reflecting pool. Wow — what a loser,” Biden said.
Biden intensifies criticism of Trump
According to CNN, this 10-minute speech was one of Biden’s sharpest criticisms of Trump since leaving office. He accused the current administration of corruption and criticized plans to compensate those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.“The pool of reflection reflects something far worse than the narcissism and incompetence at the heart of this administration,” Biden said. “This is corruption, corruption, brazen, blatant corruption. Corruption on a scale unprecedented in any administration in American history.”Biden also urged Democrats to stay engaged after they are out of office.“To everyone who loves our country, my message tonight is simple and clear: Stand up, damn it. Get up now. Keep up the fight! ” he told supporters.
Another stage moment comes in a few days
Earlier this week, former President Barack Obama held another much-discussed public event during the opening of his presidential library in Chicago, where the New York Post reported that Biden appeared uncertain at the end of the ceremony and shouted, “Where is my granddaughter?” at the direction of former first lady Jill Biden.Biden relied on a teleprompter during Saturday’s speech, coughing several times at the beginning and occasionally squinting while reading.
Despite failing health, former president remains active
Although Biden has endured a difficult time since leaving office, he has continued to make public appearances and speak at Democratic events.Many Democrats remain frustrated with his handling of the 2024 election, and recent polls show his approval ratings at their lowest levels since leaving office.The former president is also undergoing treatment for stage 4 prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.He is undergoing radiation and hormone treatments while also writing a presidential memoir and continuing to fundraise for a future presidential library.Ahead of Saturday’s speech, Biden met with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, both considered potential Democratic contenders in the 2028 presidential election.
