Biden Makes Claims About Crowds
President Joe Biden recently revealed to reporters that the United States Secret Service (USSS) has limited his ability to appear at events with large crowds due to safety concerns. Biden shared that, despite enjoying a recent campaign appearance with Vice President Kamala Harris, he is no longer permitted to engage with the public in the way he once did.
“I’m not able to go out in the crowds anymore. The Secret Service doesn’t let me,” Biden explained, adding that they deemed such outings “too dangerous.”
BIDEN: "I'm not able to go out in the crowds anymore. The Secret Service doesn't let me."
REPORTER: "Why not?"
BIDEN (who has a proclivity for tripping): "They say it's too dangerous." pic.twitter.com/JeKKE7r6wu
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 3, 2024
The president’s comments raise questions about the specific threats perceived by his security detail. While Biden did not elaborate on the reasoning, this development comes on the heels of a troubling incident involving former President Donald Trump.
Just two months ago, an assassination attempt was made during Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where an attacker managed to position himself within 200 yards of the stage. The attack left three people wounded, including Trump, and resulted in the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore. Given this recent breach, it is perhaps not surprising that the USSS is exercising heightened caution around Biden’s public engagements.
Cognitively impaired Joe Biden tells a weird story about how his grandfather was accused of being a "Molly Maguire" while running for political office in 1906.
Kamala spent 3.5 years claiming that this guy is perfectly fit mentally for the job as president. pic.twitter.com/DVDq4w3tWw
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 2, 2024
This security concern is particularly notable as Biden steps back from the campaign trail in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently took over as the Democratic presidential nominee. The transition has led to increased public appearances from Harris, who is now the face of the party’s 2024 campaign.
Yet, Biden still joined her over the weekend for an appearance in Pittsburgh, offering a glimpse into his personal history. He recounted a story about his great-grandfather, Edward Francis Blewitt, who had run for the Pennsylvania legislature in 1907 and was accused of being part of the Molly Maguires, an infamous group of Irish immigrant coal miners known for their violent tactics.
However, Biden’s anecdote raised eyebrows due to historical inaccuracies. The Molly Maguires were largely active between 1862 and 1875, long before Blewitt’s political career began, and when he would have been only a teenager.
Despite the historical confusion, Biden's attempt to connect with Pennsylvania voters underscored his efforts to remain visible on the campaign trail, even in a limited capacity.