President Joe Biden has issued a stark warning, outlining reasons why a second term for former President Donald Trump would be a “nightmare” for the country. Speaking at a fundraiser in Nevada, Biden urged voters to support him in the state’s upcoming presidential primary and the larger November election.
Biden began his campaign swing by emphasizing Trump’s history of provocative statements, including his descriptions of Jan. 6 rioters as “hostages,” his wish to become a “dictator” on day one, and his vow to supporters that “I am your retribution.” He also touched on Trump’s branding of fallen soldiers as “suckers” and “losers” and his controversial comments about a former top military officer deserving execution.
The president then shifted his focus to a community center in Las Vegas, where he addressed a diverse crowd and declared, “you’re the reason we’ll make Donald Trump a loser again.”
Biden underscored the gravity of the upcoming election, stating that what “made America America” was at risk when he faced Trump in 2020 and that the stakes are even higher now with a likely rematch looming.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining control of the White House and the Senate, while also aiming to win back the House of Representatives. Biden stressed that achieving these goals would mean “we can say we saved American democracy.”
The Trump campaign responded by labeling Biden’s own presidency as a “nightmare” for the country during his three years in the White House.
In Tuesday’s Nevada Democratic presidential primary, Biden faces only token opposition, primarily from author Marianne Williamson and lesser-known challengers. He won Nevada in the 2020 election by a narrow margin, making his visit to the state a strategic move to rally support for the upcoming November contest.
Nevada is renowned for its unpredictable split-ticket results and its diverse population, including a substantial Latino, Filipino, Chinese American, and Black community. The state also exhibits a stark rural-urban divide, with a majority of active registered voters residing in the Las Vegas and Reno metro areas.
Despite Nevada’s status as a swing state, Democrats have managed to win every presidential election since 2008, thanks in part to the influential “Reid Machine” established by the late Sen. Harry Reid, which has trained operatives and retained organizers.
However, early signs suggest Biden may face challenges in the state, as a New York Times/Siena poll from November revealed that his approval rating in Nevada stood at just 36%.
Biden has built his reelection campaign around the theme that Trump poses a grave threat to U.S. democracy and its founding values. He has also championed the defense of abortion rights and touted his economic policies as creators of jobs, fighters against climate change, and enhancers of American competitiveness on the global stage.
The Democratic National Committee has recently announced a significant ad buy in Nevada and South Carolina, aimed at energizing minority voters through radio, television, and digital ads in Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog.
As early voting commenced in Nevada, Trump alleged that he was the target of the Biden administration’s law enforcement actions, despite facing multiple indictments and 91 felonies.
Political experts stress the importance of Nevada in Biden’s reelection campaign, as the state’s results may hold significant implications for the larger national contest. The Republican presidential primary and caucuses are also taking place in Nevada, with Trump and Nikki Haley as key contenders.
