Biden Urges 'Lowering the Temperature' While Criticizing Trump at NAACP Speech

Despite condemning violence and calling for unity, President Biden used his NAACP speech to launch repeated attacks on former President Trump.

President Biden delivered a speech at the 115th NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas,Nevada, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The speech was marked by a mix of calls for unity and thinly veiled attacks on his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Opening his remarks, Biden referenced his recent Oval Office address, in which he condemned violence in all forms. He reiterated his message, stating, "It's time for an important conversation in this country. It's gotten too heated."

Biden Urges 'Lowering the Temperature' While Criticizing Trump at NAACP Speech

Biden expressed gratitude for the absence of serious injuries to former President Trump after the assassination attempt and offered prayers for his well-being. However, he quickly pivoted to a series of criticisms of Trump's policies and rhetoric.

"Just because we should lower the temperature, doesn't mean we should stop telling the truth," Biden said. He went on to enumerate what he perceived as the negative impacts of Trump's presidency on the Black community, including tax cuts for the wealthy and the explosion of federal debt.

Biden Urges 'Lowering the Temperature' While Criticizing Trump at NAACP Speech

Biden questioned Trump's motives and intelligence, saying, "What in the hell is the matter with this man? I'm serious. Go figure." He also mocked Trump's focus on promoting "Black jobs," claiming that Trump was "lying like hell" about Black unemployment records.

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers when Biden declared, "Folks I know what a black job is. It's the vice president of the United States." Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting her accomplishments and potential as a future president.

Biden Urges 'Lowering the Temperature' While Criticizing Trump at NAACP Speech

Biden emphasized the need to stand up against all forms of violence, including violence against presidential candidates, George Floyd, and election workers. He called for outlawing assault weapons, stating, "I did it once, I will do it again."

In a veiled reference to Trump's rhetoric, Biden called for unity and understanding, saying, "We have to say with one voice that violence is not the answer. That's what we should rally around as a nation. That's the unity I'm talking about. Few organizations know that better than the NAACP."

Biden Urges 'Lowering the Temperature' While Criticizing Trump at NAACP Speech

Despite his calls for unity, Biden's speech was characterized by sharp partisan divides. His attacks on Trump drew enthusiastic support from the NAACP audience, while Republican commentators denounced his rhetoric as divisive and harmful.

As the nation grapples with rising tensions and political polarization, President Biden's NAACP speech has ignited a heated debate over the role of leadership in lowering the temperature and fostering unity.