Statement by President Joe Biden on the Senate Vote in the Trial of Donald Trump

[kpete]

FEBRUARY 13, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

It was nearly two weeks ago that Jill and I paid our respects to Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who laid in honor in the Rotunda after losing his life protecting the Capitol from a riotous, violent mob on January 6, 2021.

Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy. The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives. While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute. Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” and “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the violence unleashed on the Capitol.

Tonight, I am thinking about those who bravely stood guard that January day. I’m thinking about all those who lost their lives, all those whose lives were threatened, and all those who are still today living with terror they lived through that day. And I’m thinking of those who demonstrated the courage to protect the integrity of our democracy – Democrats and Republicans, election officials and judges, elected representatives and poll workers – before and after the election.

This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.

That is how we end this uncivil war and heal the very soul of our nation. That is the task ahead. And it’s a task we must undertake together. As the United States of America.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/02/13/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-the-senate-vote-in-the-trial-of-donald-trump/

[North Shore Chicago]

1. Yes, Democracy is fragile.

However, it can take quite a beating and get back up, as in this case. I'm afraid Pandora's box of republicans in the future will be emboldened to take Democracy in the boxing ring once again.

I will be in the corner with Democracy with towels and a mouth guard.

[msfiddlestix]

2. Beautiful statement.

But it appears he left out the word Accountability. That is how we'll end this uncivil war. Accountability.

[Boomerproud]

3. 100% correct.

[bluecollar2]

6. First, accountability needs to be defined and codified

If I had a nickle for every time that word was thrown around by a politician I'd be a very wealthy person.

But I do agree with you.

[msfiddlestix]

11. Yes politicians use it, but rarely pursue it.

I don't think the problem is defining it. However, codifying by law in terms of consequences spelled precisely, naming the offense apparently needs to be done. Pelosi made a point on this yesterday, despite the challenges she faces with the traitors in Congress. Paraphrasing, she did not use inflammatory words, those are mine.

[Nitram]

8. If Biden left anything out, it was because he wanted to focus on the fact that a constitutional

process had been initiated, carried out, and concluded as provided for by law. Whether or not we like the conclusion, as Democrats we will accept it. We will not storm the Capitol to punish Republican Senators who sold out their country. That's the difference between them and us.

[msfiddlestix]

10. Who said anything about storming the Capitol to achieve Accountability?

I don't see how you could possibly come to that conclusion.

[Nitram]

12. Sorry, fiddlestix, I was trying to draw a clear contrast between Democrats and Republicans.

Republicans are willing to "storm the Capitol" to achieve the extra-constitutional reversion of the outcome of an election. On the other hand, Democrats didn't dream of storming the Capitol even after not successfully convicting a president after having impeached him for high crimes and misdmeanors. Democrats believe in the Rule of Law. Republicans don't.

[Raven123]

4. A preemptive response to tomorrow inevitable question from the media about Biden's thoughts

Jen can just refer the questioner to the statement and move on.

[bigendian]

5. Thank you!

[PJMcK]

7. Wow, I'd forgotten what a real President sounds like!

President Biden hit all the right notes in this statement.

As a single example, this Presidential Statement demonstrates why the President received more votes than any other president in U.S. history. He represents our nation, not just his supporters.

On a personal note, Mr. Biden was not originally my choice as a candidate. But when he earned the nomination, he got got my full-throated support and vote in the election and since then. In retrospect, I wish I had jumped on board the Biden Bandwagon earlier!

[musclecar6]

9. Yep

Joe is first class all the way. Between him and Kamala, we're in good hands