CONCORD, N.H. — President Joe Biden launched a fierce critique of Donald Trump on Tuesday, emphasizing that global leaders are deeply concerned about the potential implications of Trump’s return to the White House for democratic governance worldwide.
“Every international meeting I attend,” Biden stated, particularly noting his recent trip to Germany, “They privately express their fears for democracy, saying, ‘Joe, he can’t win. My democracy is at stake.’”
With increasing intensity, Biden questioned, “If America steps back, who steps up? Which country?”
These remarks were made during a speech originally centered on healthcare in New Hampshire, but they revealed Biden’s unfiltered political stance amid the upcoming election, where his legacy and the threat of Trump loom large. The president clearly views blocking Trump’s potential presidency as critical to his historical impact.
Following the speech, Biden visited a campaign office to rally support for New Hampshire Democratic candidates, continuing his strong rhetoric against Trump, even declaring, “We’ve got to lock him up.” This phrase has echoed in political circles previously, originally shouted by Trump supporters directed at Hillary Clinton. The audience at the campaign office responded favorably, yet Biden clarified, “Politically lock him up. Lock him out, that’s what we have to do.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign claimed Biden admitted that the Democratic strategy has been to politically persecute Trump, as they fear losing to him legitimately.
Biden briefly mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris during his remarks, acknowledging her support from some notable Republicans, including former Rep. Liz Cheney. He criticized Trump for expressing pride in his friendship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, adding humorously, “Trump believes in the free press like I believe I can climb Mt. Everest.”
He reiterated that Trump and the “Make America Great Again” movement exhibit “anti-democratic” sentiments towards the Constitution.
Biden warned, “Consider the consequences if Donald Trump wins this election. He’s not joking; he’s deadly serious.” He concluded with a rallying cry, “We must win.”
In Concord, Biden was joined by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who he previously defeated in the 2020 Democratic primary. Both leaders highlighted a report from the Department of Health and Human Services revealing savings of nearly $1 billion on prescription drugs for almost 1.5 million Medicare enrollees in the first half of the year.
These savings stem from a cap on out-of-pocket drug costs established by significant climate and healthcare legislation passed in 2022, limiting Medicare recipients’ prescription costs to a maximum of $3,500 annually while making certain vaccines free for seniors.
Biden emphasized that the savings extend beyond seniors, stating, “It’s also saving taxpayers billions of dollars.”
Next year, the drug cost cap for Medicare recipients will reduce to $2,000, providing further relief for the sickest Americans. However, this reform has led to increased premiums, as some insurers raise their plan prices or withdraw from markets.
The law is anticipated to yield substantial long-term savings for taxpayers and Medicare enrollees.
For the first time, the federal government will negotiate prices for 10 of Medicare’s most costly drugs, with the negotiated prices set to take effect in 2026. The expenditure on these drugs exceeds $50 billion annually, including popular medications like Xarelto and Eliquis.
The Congressional Budget Office projects that these negotiations could save taxpayers $3.7 billion in the first year.
Despite outlining benefits related to lower drug prices, Biden’s warnings about Trump overshadowed the discussion.
“No president has ever been like this guy. He poses a genuine threat to our democracy.”
