Biden will win more support by making fun of Trump during his campaign rallies
President Joe Biden is on a mission to win votes through humor at the expense of Donald Trump, aiming to get under the former president’s skin and highlight his mistakes. Like a seasoned comic refining his routine, Biden has been experimenting with and enhancing his jokes in recent weeks. It all began with digs at his Republican rival’s financial troubles, and now Biden frequently teases Trump about his meticulously styled hair, privileged upbringing, and attempt to profit from selling a special edition of the Bible.
These jokes represent the latest strategy to counter Trump, whose own style of insult comedy has shifted the boundaries of acceptable discourse in modern politics. Many have struggled to effectively respond to Trump, as he defies conventional norms and rules of engagement in politics. According to Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to former President Barack Obama, Biden faces the challenge of adapting to this new landscape and finding ways to effectively engage with Trump.
So far, Biden has been delicately balancing humor to portray Trump as unfit for the presidency without turning the election into a mere spectacle. Sometimes, a well-timed joke can captivate an audience and divert attention from Trump, even as he navigates a criminal trial in New York.
One recent example of Biden’s humor came at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where he playfully dubbed Trump “Sleepy Don” after the former president appeared to nod off in court. Trump swiftly dismissed the joke on social media, calling Biden an “absolute disaster.” However, such jests are not limited to formal events; Biden seamlessly weaves humorous jabs at Trump into his campaign speeches alongside discussions of policy proposals.
For instance, Biden ridiculed Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, reminiscent of the former president’s infamous suggestion to inject bleach to combat the virus. In another instance, Biden criticized Trump’s celebration of a Bible by linking it to a controversial Supreme Court ruling on abortion. These comedic attacks allow Biden to shed light on Trump’s shortcomings while maintaining focus on policy priorities.
Despite the humor, Biden refrains from veering too far from substantive issues. He frequently underscores his administration’s achievements, such as passing a bipartisan infrastructure law that Trump failed to deliver during his tenure.
The challenge in deploying humor against Trump lies in his ability to engage in name-calling and ridicule that may not be as well-received coming from other candidates. Trump’s unique background as a celebrity and business tycoon affords him a different set of standards and expectations in political discourse. His unorthodox style can confound traditional political opponents, as seen in past campaigns.
According to political strategists and observers, engaging in a war of words with Trump is often an exercise in futility. Attempting to match his level of humor or insult only plays into his hands and distracts from substantive discussions. Trump’s ability to dictate the terms of communication can lure opponents into a fruitless back-and-forth.
While Trump employs blunt humor, Biden often opts for subtlety to maximize the impact of his jokes. By weaving sly remarks into his speeches, Biden aims to connect with audiences who grasp the underlying message without resorting to overt attacks. This nuanced approach allows Biden to navigate the complexities of engaging with a formidable opponent like Trump.
As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, Biden’s utilization of humor as a tool for critique and engagement will continue to evolve. Balancing levity with seriousness, he seeks to draw a sharp contrast between his leadership style and Trump’s divisive rhetoric. By leveraging humor strategically, Biden aims to resonate with voters and underscore the stakes of the upcoming election.
