Former Vice President Joe Biden took aim at President Trump and his administration Saturday over his treatment of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals.
Biden told the roughly 3,000 people at the annual dinner of LGBT advocacy organization the Human Rights Campaign that Trump “uses the White House as a literal bully pulpit, callously exerting his power over those who have little or none.”
“Instead of using the full might of the executive branch to secure justice, dignity, and safety for all, the president uses the White House as a literal bully pulpit, callously exerting his power over those who have little or none.” – @JoeBiden #HRCNationalDinner
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) September 15, 2018
Trump, whose ban on transgender troops in the military has been blocked by the courts, is an ally of the “forces of intolerance” who “remain determined to undermine and roll back the progress you all have made,” Biden said.
But despite losing in the courts – and in the court of public opinion – these forces of intolerance remain determined to undermine and roll back the progress you all have made.
This time, they – not you – have an ally in the White House.” – @JoeBiden #HRCNationalDinner
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) September 15, 2018
The last time Biden addressed the dinner was in 2015, ahead of his decision not to enter the 2016 presidential race. This time, however, a campaign may be in the offing. An August poll showed Biden ahead of Trump in a potential 2020 match-up, though Biden has said publicly he will not make a decision until January.
The dinner was also set to include Biden’s fellow Democrats former Attorney General Eric Holder; Virginia delegate Danica Roem, who is the first openly transgender elected state legislator to serve; and Nevada state Assemblyman Nelson Araujo, who is running for secretary of state in Nevada.
In recent weeks, Biden has stepped up efforts for Democratic candidates in the midterm elections.
