Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” has defended President Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection in 2024, criticizing “media elites” for suggesting he step down.
On Monday, Scarborough argued that the judgment of Democratic primary voters should prevail over that of influential media and political figures.
Initially, Scarborough had expressed doubts about Biden’s candidacy following a lackluster debate against former President Donald Trump. However, he has since changed his position, asserting that Biden’s reelection bid is justified and should be determined by the voters. “So Biden allies, now, this is what they’re going to say, ‘Oh, wait a second, so you’re telling me that media elites and billionaire donors and Washington politicians and Washington [sic] moguls, they all think that they can substitute their judgment for the judgment of millions of Democratic primary voters?’” Scarborough said.
Scarborough pointed out that Biden enjoys robust support from a passionate Democratic base, despite criticism from elites. He argued that Biden has shown resilience and determination, which are essential qualities for the upcoming election. “Joe Biden has a fired up, angry Democratic base in parts, and he’s gotten a lot of elites putting him in a position where he can look strong, staring them down,” he added.
Biden’s recent public appearances, including a debate and an interview with George Stephanopoulos, have been criticized for perceived incoherence. Biden acknowledged his poor debate performance, attributing it to an infection he was suffering from at the time. “But the fact of the matter is … look at what I’m doing,” Biden said. “If there was something that was wrong that night, it’s not like it’s [unintelligible] that’s one night and goes away.”
Scarborough previously expressed concerns about Biden’s debate performance, noting his failure to effectively counter Trump’s falsehoods. “Donald Trump lied over and over and over and over again, and Joe Biden couldn’t respond to any of those lies,” he remarked. Despite these criticisms, Scarborough now emphasizes the importance of grassroots support and the democratic process in determining the party’s nominee.
This shift in Scarborough’s stance highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s leadership and the influence of media elites. As the 2024 election approaches, prominent voices like Scarborough’s will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and rallying support for the Democratic candidate.
