CHICAGO (TND) — Former President Bill Clinton compared President Joe Biden to the first commander-in-chief at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night.
Clinton associated Biden’s decision to end his bid for a second term with former President George Washington’s decision not to seek a third.
“[Biden] did something that’s really hard for a politician to do. He voluntarily gave up political power,” Clinton said. “And George Washington knew that, and he did it, and he set the standard for us serving two terms before it was mandatory.”
Washington said in his 1796 farewell address that his age contributed to his decision. Some accounts also note he was frustrated by his political adversaries’ criticism.
In Biden’s announcement of the end of his campaign, he said it was in the best interest of the Democratic Party and country.
It helped his legacy,” Clinton said of Washington’s farewell. “And it will enhance Joe Biden’s legacy.”
Democrats called for Biden to end his campaign in the weeks leading up to his Jul 21 announcement. Speculation grew among the party that Republicans would gain control of the House of Representatives and Senate if he continued running.
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The 46th president said days after he ended his bid in an address to the U.S. that the best path forward was to “pass the torch” to a new generation, adding that nothing – not even “personal ambition” – can come in the way of “saving our democracy.”
Clinton argued Wednesday Biden’s choice provides a contrast with what happens within the GOP.
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to accept the results of the November election if it is “legal.” He has repeatedly claimed the 2020 election, which he lost to Biden, was rigged.
At an annual meeting for the National Rifle Association in May, Trump asked the crowd whether his presidential tenure was going to be considered as one of two or three terms.
Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who served in the Trump administration, has said the Department of Justice has not found any evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election.
Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.