On Friday, President Biden, during his first major campaign speech this year, presented the 2024 election in stark terms and placed the onus of the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol assault directly on the “lies” spread by President Donald Trump [“Biden warns of 2024 stakes,” front page, Jan. 6]. Speaking just before the three-year anniversary of the insurrection, Mr. Biden sought to use the historic location of his speech near Valley Forge in Pennsylvania to draw a sharp contrast with Mr. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, ahead of a highly likely rematch. Mr. Biden said, “Today, we’re here to answer the most important of questions: Is democracy still America’s sacred cause?” Mr. Biden’s speech was strong, resolute and emotional. He called out Mr. Trump in a deliberate and focused manner.
President Biden lays out the stakes
This was Mr. Biden’s first decisive move to frame his reelection bid as an existential choice between a stalwart defender of our democracy and our Constitution and his opponent, who threatened the republic on Jan. 6, 2021, and remains a clear and present danger to our democracy. Mr. Biden’s oratory style seldom soars, but his message was powerful and compelling.
Ken Derow, Swarthmore, Pa.
The Jan. 6 article “Biden warns of 2024 stakes” included a reference former president Donald Trump made to President Biden’s speech impediment, which he has had since childhood. Mr. Trump was quoted as saying, “He’s a threat to d-d-democracy. Couldn’t read the word.”
This offensive statement is just one of a plethora the former president has made. Making fun of someone is not allowed in my classroom. If it’s not acceptable in fourth grade, it certainly should be unacceptable in the Oval Office.
Diane Bettge Norton, Fairfax