Making a forceful case for his re-election, US President Joe Biden has claimed that during his meetings with world leaders, including at the G20 summit in India, almost every one of them told him not to let his predecessor Donald Trump win in 2024, as they feel it would put their democracies in danger.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also joined Biden on Thursday night in New York at the most lucrative fundraiser of the 2024 campaign, warning fellow Democrats that Trump, a Republican, must be defeated. “Trump says if he loses again — again in November, there will be a “bloodbath”. What the hell is with this guy?… I’m really serious. It concerns me the most,” Biden said.
“Whether it’s the G20 meeting in India or any other meeting where there are other heads of state — I am not exaggerating when I say and I say it in front of the press without giving the names — almost every one of the world leaders finds an excuse to get me alone for a moment, put their hand on my arm, and say, ‘You can’t let him win’. …My democracy is at stake,” he said. India hosted the G20 Summit in New Delhi for the first time from September 9 to10, 2023.
Biden, 81, the incumbent, faced no viable competition for the Democratic nomination. His predecessor in office, Trump, 77, on the other hand, easily saw off a crowded field in the Republican primary. Now they are set for a rematch of 2020 in the November 5 elections.
Biden also slammed Trump for walking away from NATO. “This is a guy who walked away from NATO… told Putin he could do whatever he wants if they’re not paying their dues,” Biden said. “Just look at what he’s done. The rest of the world is wondering what is happening to us. And they’re relieved, not because I’m so special but that I’m not Trump. I’m serious,” Biden said amidst laughter.
“I think they respect me. I think they listen to me. But the point is, it’s because they’re scared to death for their countries if he (Trump) were to win again,” Biden said. There is no place ever for political violence, for physical violence in the country’s political system, he said.
“We’re at a real inflection point in history. Things are changing. This guy denies there is global warming. This guy wants to get rid of the ability of anyone anywhere in America to have the right to choose. All the things he’s doing are so old,” Biden said. — PTI
