Biden: "Trump Created a Battlefield"

First Public Remarks After COVID-19 Crisis During Visit to Another Region
Emphasizes Unity in Philadelphia, Where Obama Delivered Famous Speech
Also Considering Attendance at George Floyd's Funeral
Trump Launches Fierce Attack, Saying "Biden Has Done Nothing in 40 Years"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden seeks to differentiate himself from President Donald Trump amid the rapidly spreading protests.

As criticism arises that President Trump is fueling division by launching fierce attacks on protesters day after day, Biden is taking an opposing stance to solidify his image as a presidential candidate.

On the 2nd (local time), Biden visited Philadelphia City Hall, where protests over the death of Black man George Floyd intensified, sharply criticizing President Trump for worsening the situation. This is the first time Biden has left his home state of Delaware and taken the microphone in public since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He did not speak during his earlier visit to a protest site in Delaware.

After stepping onto the podium that day, Biden removed his mask and began his speech. He recalled George Floyd’s words, "I can't breathe," uttered as he was suffocated by police. He dismissed Trump by saying, "President Trump has turned the country into a battlefield of long-standing resentment and new fears," and claimed, "This country is crying out for leadership."

He also criticized Trump’s staged walk to a church behind the White House after protesters were dispersed using tear gas the previous day, emphasizing that Trump "abused the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to create a photo opportunity at a noble church." Regarding the Bible Trump held up, Biden mocked, "I wish he had opened it occasionally. If he had, he might have learned something."

The New York Times reported that Biden actively criticized Trump, who emphasized deploying federal troops to suppress the riots the day before, and highlighted themes of empathy and unity. Biden’s choice of Philadelphia as the speech venue is also significant. Philadelphia is the city where the foundation of the U.S. Constitution was laid and gained attention as the site where former President Barack Obama gave a speech at the Constitution Center during the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. This is interpreted as an attempt to evoke nostalgia for Obama.

To emphasize leadership in unity, Biden is also considering attending the funeral in Houston, Floyd’s hometown, on the 9th. The family has indicated they understand Biden will attend. If Biden attends Floyd’s funeral, it is expected to solidify Black voter support and sharpen the confrontation with President Trump.

President Trump also expressed caution about Biden’s moves. After Biden’s speech, Trump tweeted, "Sleepy Joe Biden has done nothing in his 40 years of political activity. Now he pretends to have solutions. If you are weak, you cannot defeat anarchists and looters. Law and order." He then praised himself, saying, "Our administration has done more for Black people than any since President Abraham Lincoln."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.