The Philadelphia White House speech justifies putting the US Marines behind Biden

President Joe Biden portrayed former President Donald Trump and "MAGA Republicans" as representatives of "an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic" in his speech on Thursday night. On Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the White House's choice to place two U.S. Marines behind Biden.

The speech, which was a White House-sponsored event, focused on what Mr. Biden had originally called the "battle for the spirit of the nation" when he declared his candidacy for president in 2020. It was delivered outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The MAGA Republicans, according to Mr. Biden's assertions on Thursday night, "refused to acknowledge a free election," "do not respect the Constitution," and "do not believe in the rule of law."

When asked to comment on the Marines' attendance during the speech, Jean-Pierre stated that it was fair to show the Marines in the president's background since they uphold the nation's founding principles and are essential to preserving democracy both at home and abroad.

During the press conference on Friday, Jean-Pierre stated that the Marines' attendance at the speech was meant to show how much the president values these service members, these ideals, and the special role our independent military plays in defending our democracy regardless of which party is in power. "Regardless of whose party is in charge once more. Additionally, it is not unusual — in fact, it is typical — for presidents from both parties to address the troops, such as Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. It is a typical sight."

Another reporter inquired as to where the president should draw the line when using military personnel as the setting for a political address.

According to Jean-Pierre, this wasn't a political statement for him. It was about our values as a country, about our democracy as a country, and that is what the president wanted to convey. And he believes the men and women who wear the uniform and protect us every day, protect this country every day, that's what they fight for as well. This was an opportunity in prime time to talk directly to the American people and to be very clear, with a clear voice, to talk about what is happening in our country today.

But in his speech, Mr. Biden pointed the finger at individuals who belong to a faction of a particular political party. He claimed that these individuals "tried everything last time to nullify the votes of 81 million people" and that this time, they are "determined to succeed in thwarting the will of the people."

The president claimed on Thursday that Trump and his supporters "intimidate" a large portion of the GOP.

He added on Thursday, "I believe it's my responsibility to communicate the truth with you, no matter how tough, no matter how painful." "And here is what is true, in my opinion: MAGA Republicans do not uphold the Constitution. They reject the concept of the rule of law. The people's will is ignored by them. They refused to accept that the election was fair."

In a tweet about a still from Vice President Biden's speech, Republican Senator Marco Rubio made the following statement: "Angry guy smears half of the people of the country he is meant to lead & vowed to unite."

Requests for comment were directed to the White House by the Pentagon and Marines.