Joe Biden Calls On Press Corps to ‘Rise Up to the Seriousness of the Moment’ During Weighty Moment At Correspondents’ Dinner
After poking fun at Donald Trump during Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, President Joe Biden struck a somber note when he asked the press corps to “rise up to the seriousness of the moment.”
“On the third anniversary of Jan. 6, I went to Valley Forge,” Biden said. “And I said, the most urgent question of our time is whether democracy is still, is still, the sacred cause of America. That is the question the American people must answer this year. And you, the free press, play a critical role in making sure the American people have the information they need to make an informed decision.” Biden continued:
The defeated former president has made no secret of his attack on our democracy. He said he wants to be a dictator on day one, and so much more. He tells supporters he is their revenge and retribution. When, in God’s name, have you ever heard another president say something like that? And he promised a bloodbath when he loses again. We have to take this seriously.
Eight years ago, it was written off as “just Trump talk.” But, no longer. Not after Jan. 6. I’m sincerely not asking you to take sides. I’m asking you to rise up to the seriousness of the moment. Move past the horse race numbers and the gotcha moments, and the distractions, the sideshows that have come to dominate and sensationalize our politics, and focus on what’s actually at stake. I think in your hearts, you know what’s at stake. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Every single one of us has roles to play, a serious role to play in making sure democracy endures — American democracy. I know my role but, all due respect, so do you. In the age of disinformation, credible information that people can trust is more important than ever. And that makes you — and I mean this from the bottom of my heart — that makes you more important than ever.
Biden then made a toast, “To a free press. To an informed citizenry. To an America where freedom and democracy endure. God bless America!”
Watch the clip above via C-SPAN.
