President Joe Biden made a strong statement recently, saying Donald Trump could learn โdecencyโ from former President Jimmy Carter. This comment upset the co-hosts of Fox Newsโ show Outnumbered. For almost seven minutes, they criticized Biden for what they called an unnecessary and bitter remark.
When a reporter asked President Biden what Donald Trump could learn from Jimmy Carter, Bidenโs answer was clear:
โDecency. Decency. Decency. Everybody deserves a shot, everybody. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keeping walking? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or talk? I canโt.โ
โDecency.โ President Joe Biden shades Donald Trumpโs character while talking about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. (Video: MSNBC) pic.twitter.com/RbNGUzv5Kf
โ Mike Sington (@MikeSington) December 30, 2024
This comment showed how much Biden respected Jimmy Carter. Carter, who recently passed away at the age of 100, is remembered for his kindness and dedication to helping others. He spent his life after the presidency volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, fighting diseases like guinea worm, and working for peace in war-torn countries.
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Bidenโs remark also seemed like a criticism of Trump. Trump has often been accused of lacking empathy and using harsh language against his opponents.
The Outnumbered co-hosts on Fox News did not like Bidenโs comment at all. Tammy Bruce, one of the hosts, said, โItโs a shame and itโs embarrassing for Joe Biden.โ She also said, โJoe Biden will be known for just being a failed president and an indecent man.โ
Another host, Lisa Boothe, said, โI think heโs just going to continue to go out looking like a bitter old man.โ
Dr. Nicole Saphier, another co-host, said Bidenโs comment was โreally upsetting to watch.โ She also said that people should focus on saying positive things about someone who has died or not say anything at all.
For seven minutes, the co-hosts called Bidenโs remark bitter and disrespectful. They even suggested that he made the comment because he was upset about losing the 2024 election to Trump.
Jimmy Carter is often seen as a symbol of kindness and humility. Even though his presidency lasted only one term and faced criticism, Carterโs life after politics was inspiring. He built homes for the homeless, worked to eliminate diseases, and tried to bring peace to countries at war.
Carter once said, โWe must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.โ This shows his focus on staying kind and decent, no matter the challenges. In contrast, Donald Trump is known for his bold and sometimes harsh behavior. While his supporters like his โtell it like it isโ style, critics say it often lacks respect and compassion.
Donald Trumpโs response to Carterโs death was mixed. He sent condolences to Carterโs family and praised him for trying to โmake America a better place.โ But Trump also mentioned that he strongly disagreed with Carter โphilosophically and politically.โ
Over the years, Trump has made fun of Carter during his rallies. He has called him unintelligent and criticized his time as president.
Some people think Bidenโs comment about Trump was inappropriate, especially after Carterโs death. Dr. Saphier on Outnumbered said itโs better to focus on positive things during such moments. However, others believe Biden was right to use the moment to remind people of the importance of decency. In todayโs politics, where harsh words and division are common, Carterโs legacy offers a different perspective.
Bidenโs comment was not just about Trump. It was a message about what kind of leadership America needs. Carter showed that being a leader is not just about holding powerโitโs about helping others and showing kindness. Bidenโs remark also started a bigger conversation about decency in politics. Should leaders focus more on empathy and respect, like Carter, or should they be bold and direct, like Trump?
Featured image via Screengrab