Former Vice President Joe Biden broke his silence Monday morning to rip President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee accused Trump and McConnell of pushing measures that favor big corporations over working Americans a day after Senate Democrats tanked a $1.6 trillion emergency relief package. (RELATED: FLASHBACK: Joe Biden: ‘China Is Not Our Problem’)
“Republicans refuse to increase Social Security at the same time, to forgive student loans, to take the necessary steps to stop evictions, ensure food and nutrition for vulnerable families,” Biden said. “Senator McConnell should immediately allow a bipartisan vote on aggressive measures to help small businesses, workers, communities.”
President Trump and Mitch McConnell are trying to put a corporate bailout ahead of families. It’s simply wrong. We need to be focused on helping hardworking Americans, communities, and small businesses — not handing big corporations a blank check. pic.twitter.com/tMBZm26h3y
— Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) March 23, 2020
The remarks were Biden’s first on-camera comments since the last Democratic presidential debate, which occurred over a week ago. The former vice president did hold a virtual fundraiser Sunday at his home in Delaware, according to Fox News. (RELATED: Jorge Ramos Reminds Biden That Obama Administration Put Kids In Cages At The Border)
Biden has been criticized by the right and the left for his relative silence as the coronavirus pandemic has escalated and led to a near-shutdown of the American economy. The hashtag #whereisjoe trended Friday at the top of Twitter.
“Joe Biden’s omnipresence, steely calm and inspiring leadership has shown the US what A Real President does in times of crises,” writer Glenn Greenwald said last week. ”Oh wait — has anyone seen Joe?”