Biden says fear of Trump prevented 5 GOP senators from backing his bills
President Biden called out Republican obstructionism during a White House press conference Wednesday, suggesting it was motivated by a a desire to sabotage him politically and by fear of former President Donald Trump.
"I did not anticipate that there'd be such a stalwart effort to make sure that the most important thing was that President Biden didn't get anything done. Think about this. What are Republicans for? What are they for?" he said in response to a question.
He reiterated several times throughout the conference the need for Democrats to more effectively communicate their agenda, an agenda with which he said American voters "overwhelmingly agree."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Later, commenting on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) oppositon to his agenda, Biden said "Mitch has been very clear. He'd do anything to prevent Biden from being a success."
McConnell harshly criticized Biden in a Jan. 12 speech, accusing the president of making misleading claims about state voting laws, using overblown rhetoric, and seeking to steamroll the Senate.
Biden also suggested Republicans' united opposition to his agenda is the result of Trump's continued influence in the party.
"Did you ever think that one man out of office could intimidate an entire party where they're unwilling to take any vote contrary to what he thinks should be taken for fear of being defeated in a primary?" Biden asked.
"I've had five Republican senators ... who've told me that they agree with whatever I'm talking about for them to do. 'But Joe,' [they say,] 'if I do it, I'll get defeated in a primary.'"
When asked to identify the five GOP senators, Biden laughed and said he would "maintain confidentiality."
Trump frequently calls for Republicans who speak out against him to be primaried. One such target is Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who drew Trump's ire when he reufesed to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. Three pro-Trump candidates are challenging Thune for the Republican nomination.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Grayson Quay was the weekend editor at TheWeek.com. His writing has also been published in National Review, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Modern Age, The American Conservative, The Spectator World, and other outlets. Grayson earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.
-
The teenage 'maths prodigy' who turned out to be a cheat
Under The Radar Jiang Ping defied expectations in a global competition but something wasn't right
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Puppet shows, pagodas and pho: a guide to Hanoi
The Week Recommends Vietnam's capital city blends the ancient with the new
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'There are benefits, but not acknowledging them would tell only half of the story'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Haiti council fires prime minister, boosting chaos
Speed Read Prime Minister Garry Conille was replaced with Alix Didier Fils-Aimé
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump tells next Senate GOP leader to skip confirmations
Speed Read The president-elect said the next Senate majority leader must allow him to make recess appointments
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump victorious: 'a political comeback for the ages'
In Depth The president-elect will be able to wield a 'powerful mandate'
By The Week UK Published
-
Where does Elon Musk go from here?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION After gambling big on Donald Trump's reelection bid, the world's wealthiest man is poised to become even more powerful — and controversial — than ever
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Usha Vance: a political spouse with a 'conspicuous resume'
In the Spotlight The new second lady plays a behind-the-scenes role
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Fed cuts rates, chair says he won't quit if Trump asks
Speed Read Jerome Powell was noncommittal on future rate cuts that were expected before Trump won the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'The problem with deliverism is that it presumes voters will notice'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Melania Trump: the second coming of the first lady
The Explainer Melania was absent from Washington for large chunks of her husband's first reign
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published