Joe Biden took a cheap shot at President-elect Trump in his remarks Sunday evening in St. Croix on the death of former President Jimmy Carter.
When asked by a reporter what Trump could take from Carter, Biden flashed a Carter-esque toothy smile while saying “decency” three times and then went on a brief diatribe comparing Carter to Trump. The reporter squeezed the question in as White House press wranglers were trying to shut down Biden and the assembled reporters and end the press availability.
The reporter’s question was partially lost in cross talk, “Is there (anything?) President Trump could take from President Carter?”
Biden answered:
“Decency. Decency. Decency. Everybody deserves a shot, everybody. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something to just keep walking? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I can’t. I can’t. You know, I think the end of the deal here is that one of the reasons why we’re looked to by the rest of the world, for the bulk of our nation we’ve laid out what our values are. We said what we believe. It’s not just in the Declaration, “We hold these truth to be self-evident,” but there’s a feeling. The rest of the world looks to us, looks to us. And he was worth looking to. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.”
(Transcribed by TGP.)
Biden’s cheap shot at Trump came after Trump and Vice President-elect Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) released statements praising Carter.
Vance: “Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace.”
Trump:
I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.
The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.
Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.
Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace. https://t.co/2tiQyb8N7K
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 29, 2024
Trump also released a follow-up statement:
President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family!
Trump has not responded to Biden as of this writing.
