In a prime-time address from the White House Oval Office on July 14, 2024, President Joe Biden emphasized the principles of democracy, reminding the nation that “American democracy where decency, dignity, fair play aren’t just quaint notions, but living breathing realities.”
This was President Biden’s third televised address to the nation in less than 24-hours since Republican Presidential Nominee and former President Donald Trump was shot at during a campaign rally on July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“Our founders understood the power of passion, so they created democracy that gave reason and balance a chance to prevail over brute force,” said President Biden. “That’s the American we must be. An American democracy where arguments are made in good faith, American democracy where the rule of law is respected…”
President Biden noted that violence must not be “normalized.” The political rhetoric in this country has become extremely heated and it’s time to calm it down, he said adding “we have deeply felt strong disagreements, and the stakes are incredibly high in this year’s elections. The choice Americans make now will shape America’s and the world’s future for decades.
He pointed out that “Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy. It’s part of human nature” but also acknowledged that “politics must never be a literal battlefield, and god forbid, a killing field.” According to him, politics “ought to be an arena for peaceful debate, to pursue justice, to make decisions guided by the Declaration of Independence in our Constitution.”
Regarding the Republican National Convention starting tomorrow, President Biden mentioned that Republicans will criticize his record and present their vision for the country. But, he will be traveling this week to advocate for the vision of this country.
“I’ll continue to speak out strongly for our democracy, stand up for our Constitution, the rule of law, to call for action at the ballot box, [and] no violence on our streets,” he added. “That’s how democracy should work. We debate and disagree, we compare and contrast, the character, the candidates, the records, the issues, the agenda, the vision for America. But in America, we resolve our difference at the battle box. You know, that’s how we do it at the battle box, not with bullets.”
Earlier in the day, after meeting with senior officials at the White House Situation Room, President Biden said from the Roosevelt room, “An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation… It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen.”
President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed by his Homeland security team, including FBI Director, Secretary of Homeland Security, Attorney General, Director of the Secret Service, White House Homeland Security Advisor, and the National Security Advisor.
“Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is important than that right now – unity,” added President Biden. “We’ll debate, and we’ll disagree. That’s not going to change. But we’re going to not lose sight of the fact of who we are as Americans.”
He announced that the FBI is leading the investigation, which is still in its “early stages.” He also emphasized that while the identity of the shooter is known, the motive remains unclear, urging everyone not to “make assumptions about his motives or his affiliations.”
As the investigation progresses, President Biden assured that former President Trump will receive increased security, with the Secret Service instructed to take necessary measures for his safety. He also ordered a review of security protocols as the Republican National Convention begins tomorrow.
Furthermore, President Biden called for an “independent review of the national security” about the July 13th incident to determine what happened, promising to share the findings with the American people.
