President Biden spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) awards dinner, where he attributed the failure to reach a deal to avoid a government shutdown and political violence to a group of “extreme Republicans.” The event, held in Washington, D.C., also featured remarks from Vice President Kamala Harris.
During her speech, Harris praised the CBC for leading the fight for reproductive freedom and civil rights. She expressed concern about the rising gun violence, particularly its impact on children, and criticized extremists for obstructing efforts to protect them.
Harris also criticized Florida officials for their controversial instruction on African American history, which she argued downplayed the negative effects of slavery. This statement referred to how the new curriculum highlighted instances where enslaved individuals developed skills for their own benefit.
After being introduced by Harris, President Biden thanked his vice president and praised her for always fighting for freedom. He also acknowledged White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who received an award during the event.
Biden criticized a small group of congressional Republicans who are willing to shut down the government, endangering the livelihoods of Congress members and military personnel. He emphasized that funding the government is a basic responsibility of Congress and urged Republicans to do their job.
The president also touched on the 2024 election, highlighting the importance of democracy and his victory in the 2020 election. He addressed concerns about his age and assured the audience that he knew what to do to support the U.S. and its allies.
Biden blamed former President Trump and his MAGA Republican base for the rise of hate groups and political division in America. He stressed that domestic terrorism poses the greatest threat to the country and called for unity in condemning political violence.
The president shared his personal history with the civil rights movement and his gratitude for the African American community’s support throughout his political career. He cited the 2017 Charlottesville shooting and Trump’s response as a pivotal moment that motivated him to run for president in 2020.
During his speech, Biden made some gaffes, including mispronouncing rapper LL Cool J’s name and initially referring to him as “boy.” He quickly corrected himself and praised LL Cool J and MC Lyte for their contributions to hip hop.
In conclusion, President Biden’s speech at the Congressional Black Caucus awards dinner addressed the challenges facing his administration, highlighted the role of “extreme Republicans” in government shutdowns and political violence, and emphasized the importance of democracy and unity in America.
