Washington — President Biden joked about former President Donald Trump during remarks at the Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, D.C. late Saturday, turning criticism about his age on the former president as the general election gets underway. But he also took the opportunity to address the more serious — warning of threats to freedom and democracy in the U.S. and abroad.
Speaking to hundreds of journalists and leaders at his first appearance at the annual dinner, Mr. Biden said the two candidates had clinched their party's nomination this week for president, saying that "one candidate is too old, mentally unfit to be president."
"The other's me," he quipped.
The president went on to take aim at his political rival, joking about Trump's references to running against former President Barack Obama in 2024. He also alluded to an incident where Trump appeared to refer to his wife by the wrong name.
"And another big difference between us — I know what I value most," Mr. Biden said. "I'm Jill Biden's husband. And I know her name."
But the remarks also veered toward the serious, as the president cited threats to democracy and freedom.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration in recent years, the president emphasized that the work was accomplished "without causing harm to the economy, bringing embarrassment to the nation, or inciting insurrection," in an apparent reference to the previous administration.
"I wish I could say these were jokes, but they are not," he added.
Mr. Biden cautioned that we are currently facing an unprecedented challenge to democracy, with democracy and freedom being threatened. He pointed to Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Europe, highlighting how Trump encouraged Putin to act as he pleased with NATO allies who did not meet defense spending requirements.
The president emphasized that freedom is also under attack domestically, particularly in relation to voting rights and abortion. He expressed concern about the lingering threat from the 2020 election overturn efforts, describing it as a "poison" that threatens the core of democracy.
During last year's dinner, the tone was similarly serious, with former Vice President Mike Pence delivering a strong rebuke to the former president, stating that "history will judge Donald Trump for his refusal to accept the election results."
Other speakers at the event included Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
