Biden Spox Comments On Trump Demand
Hello everyone! Get ready for some political fireworks as President Joe Biden’s campaign spokesperson dismissed Donald Trump’s latest tactic ahead of Thursday’s debate.
Trump has called for a drug test before the debate, a move reminiscent of his previous requests during the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton and again in 2020 against Biden. Let’s unpack this drama and see what both sides have to say.
Adrienne Elrod, a spokesperson for Biden’s campaign, brushed off Trump’s demand for a drug test as a “silly” distraction. She pointed out that Trump made the same request during his debates with Clinton and has accused Biden of the same without evidence. Elrod told CNN’s Boris Sanchez, “This is what he does because he doesn’t have anything else to run on… He doesn’t have a plan. He doesn’t have a record for fighting for the American people.”
Trump, who has been questioning Biden’s mental acuity, now suggests the President might be using performance-enhancing drugs. This claim has been echoed by GOP Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician, who demanded that Biden submit to drug tests immediately before and after the debate. Jackson argued on Fox News that Biden should be tested for performance-enhancing drugs, citing concerns from many Americans.
Despite these accusations, the Biden campaign remains unfazed. Biden’s personal attorney, Bob Bauer, has been prepping him for the debate at Camp David, with Bauer playing the role of Trump, similar to their 2020 debate preparations. Meanwhile, Trump has stated that his rallies are his best preparation for the debate, emphasizing his strategy during a recent campaign stop in Philadelphia.
The White House has responded to these drug test demands by pointing out Republican officials’ ongoing intimidation by Biden’s previous performances, such as the State of the Union address. Spokesperson Andrew Bates noted that these unfounded accusations stem from Republicans’ failures to compete with Biden on substantial policy issues.
Mitch Landrieu, Biden campaign co-chair, highlighted Trump’s own gaffes, like misidentifying Jackson as “Ronny Johnson” at a rally. He confidently challenged Trump to bring his best to the debate, underscoring Biden’s preparedness and capabilities.
This isn’t the first time drug test demands have surfaced in presidential debates. Trump called for drug tests in 2016 and 2020, and he himself expressed willingness to take one. These requests are part of Trump’s strategy to cast doubt on his opponents’ fitness and performance.
Rep. Ronny Jackson, a close ally of Trump, has faced his own controversies. He withdrew his nomination for the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2018 after allegations of misconduct, including being drunk on duty and inappropriately dispensing prescription drugs. Jackson denied these allegations, calling them fabricated. A 2021 Defense Department inspector general report also alleged misconduct, which Jackson has denied.