President Biden has acknowledged that it was inappropriate to use the term "bull's-eye" in reference to former President Donald Trump, recognizing that such language could be inflammatory. This statement comes in the wake of an assassination attempt on Trump, highlighting the heightened tensions in American politics.
President Biden on Monday clarified his previous comments regarding Donald Trump, admitting that it was a "mistake" to use the term "bull's-eye" in reference to the former president.
Speaking to NBC's Lester Holt in an interview, Biden expressed regret over his choice of words, explaining, "I meant focus on him: Focus on what he's doing, focus on his policies, focus on the number of lies he told."
Biden Admits 'Mistake' in Referring to Trump as 'Bull's-Eye' Amidst Assassination Attempt
Biden emphasized that he had not used the term "crosshairs," and added, "There's a whole range of things that, look, I'm not the guy that said I want to be a dictator on day one. I'm not the guy that refused to accept the outcome of the election."
The president's comments follow an assassination attempt on Trump last Saturday, in which multiple shots were fired toward the stage where he was holding a rally in Pennsylvania. The bullet missed Trump, but grazed his ear, leaving him shaken but unharmed.
Biden Admits 'Mistake' in Referring to Trump as 'Bull's-Eye' Amidst Assassination Attempt
In the aftermath of the incident, Biden had called for Americans to "lower the temperature in our politics" and stressed the importance of unity. However, during his Monday interview, he took a more defiant tone, arguing that Trump's own rhetoric had contributed to the atmosphere of political violence.
"When a president says things like he says, do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody?" Biden said. "My opponent is engaged in that rhetoric: He talks about it'd be a bloodbath if he loses, talking about how he's forgiven - actually, I guess, suspend the sentences of all those who were arrested and sentenced to go to jail because of what happened in the Capitol."
Biden Admits 'Mistake' in Referring to Trump as 'Bull's-Eye' Amidst Assassination Attempt
Biden also expressed his belief that he remained the best candidate for the Democrats, despite concerns about his age and fitness to serve. "14 million people voted for me to be the nominee of the Democratic Party, okay?" he said. "I listen to them."
The admission of error from Biden highlights the delicate balance that both he and Trump face in addressing their political opponents in the wake of a violent attack. While it is important to condemn violence and promote unity, it is also crucial to hold accountable those who incite violence with their rhetoric.
Biden Admits 'Mistake' in Referring to Trump as 'Bull's-Eye' Amidst Assassination Attempt
