(TheRedWire.com) – This week, numerous individuals on social media critiqued President Biden for his remarks where he unfavorably compared today’s Republican Party to Strom Thurmond, the late Senator known for his pro-segregation stance during his tenure.
During a fundraising event, President Biden expressed his view that the current Republican Party is more problematic than the segregationists he encountered in the Senate in the early 1970s, including Strom Thurmond. “Back in ’72, when I joined the Senate, I worked alongside individuals who openly held racist views, including Thurmond. But the situation now is even more dire, with current members opposing the very core of democratic values,” Biden shared with the attendees, as reported by the White House press pool.
The President’s comparison sparked a flurry of reactions online, with commentators questioning his portrayal of Thurmond as someone who, despite his segregationist views, upheld “basic democratic principles.” Thurmond, who served South Carolina in the Senate from 1954 until his passing in 2003 and campaigned for the presidency on a segregationist ticket in 1948, has a contentious legacy.
Observers, including journalists and political commentators, criticized Biden’s remarks for painting a stark and divisive picture. Some highlighted Biden’s past interactions with Thurmond, noting their cordial relationship and Biden’s eulogy at Thurmond’s funeral, where he spoke positively of Thurmond’s eventual shift away from his earlier segregationist positions.
Critics argue that Biden’s comments reflect a broader tendency to employ personal attacks and divisive rhetoric, potentially alienating voters. The backlash also included responses from Republican leaders, who accused Biden of desperation and resorting to racial politics in light of his low approval ratings.
In reflecting on his long tenure in the Senate and his interactions with Thurmond, Biden has previously acknowledged the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the evolution of Thurmond’s views over time and their eventual friendship, despite their starkly different beginnings.
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