MSNBC host Joe Scarborough has come to President Joe Biden’s defense, criticizing “media elites” who have called for Biden to step down following a challenging debate performance. During Monday’s “Morning Joe,” Scarborough reversed his previous stance, now advocating for Biden’s 2024 reelection bid.
Previously, Scarborough had suggested that Biden consider dropping out of the race, citing concerns about his performance during a CNN presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. However, Scarborough has since changed his tune, arguing that the decision should be left to Democratic primary voters rather than media and political elites.
“So Biden allies, now, this is what they’re going to say, ‘Oh, wait a second, so you’re telling me that media elites and billionaire donors and Washington politicians and Washington [sic] moguls, they all think that they can substitute their judgment for the judgment of millions of Democratic primary voters?’” Scarborough said. He emphasized that Biden has the support of a “fired up, angry Democratic base,” and that this grassroots support is crucial.
Scarborough’s comments come after Biden’s recent debate performance and an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, which have been widely criticized. Despite these setbacks, Biden has insisted on his capability and commitment, attributing his debate struggles to an infection he was battling at the time. “But the fact of the matter is … look at what I’m doing,” Biden said. “If there was something that was wrong that night, it’s not like it’s [unintelligible] that’s one night and goes away, that’s why I’ve been out. I’ve been testing myself everywhere I go.”
Scarborough previously questioned Biden’s ability to run in 2024, especially after the CNN debate where Biden struggled to counter Trump’s numerous falsehoods. “Donald Trump lied over and over and over and over again, and Joe Biden couldn’t respond to any of those lies,” Scarborough had noted. He expressed disappointment in Biden’s debate performance, describing it as “tragic” and highlighting missed opportunities to fact-check Trump.
In a stark contrast to his earlier criticism, Scarborough now emphasizes Biden’s potential to rally Democratic voters and stand firm against elite pressures. This shift underscores the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party as it prepares for the 2024 election, with significant voices like Scarborough advocating for Biden’s continued leadership despite recent challenges.
