
MSNBC host Joe Scarborough has voiced strong support for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, criticizing “media elites” for urging Biden to step down. On “Morning Joe,” Scarborough argued that the decision should rest with Democratic primary voters, not influential media and political figures.
Previously, Scarborough had suggested that Biden reconsider his candidacy following a challenging debate against former President Donald Trump. However, he has since reversed his stance, emphasizing the importance of letting the voters decide. “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 stated.
Scarborough highlighted Biden’s strong support from the Democratic base, despite criticism from elites. He suggested that this grassroots backing is critical for Biden’s campaign. “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 said.
Biden’s recent debate performance and an interview with George Stephanopoulos have been widely criticized, raising questions about his cognitive state. Biden attributed his debate struggles to an infection he was battling at the time, stating, “But the fact of the matter is … look at what I’m doing. If there was something that was wrong that night, it’s not like it’s [unintelligible] that’s one night and goes away.”
Scarborough had previously questioned Biden’s readiness for the 2024 race, pointing to his inability to counter Trump’s false statements during the debate. “Donald Trump lied over and over and over and over again, and Joe Biden couldn’t respond to any of those lies,” Scarborough noted. Despite this, Scarborough now argues that Biden’s continued candidacy is justified and should be supported by the Democratic base.
This shift in Scarborough’s position reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s leadership and the role of media elites. As the 2024 election approaches, influential voices like Scarborough’s will be crucial in shaping the party’s strategy and rallying voter support for the Democratic nominee.