President Joe Biden sharply criticized Donald Trump after a new Marquette University poll showed Americans view Barack Obama far more favorably than the former president. The survey, conducted among 1,005 adults nationwide between September 5 and 24, found that only 42% of Americans view Trump positively, while 57% see him unfavorably — a net rating of -15. In contrast, Obama enjoys a 57% favorable rating and just 40% unfavorable, giving him a +17 score.
Speaking at a Nebraska Democratic Party gala in Omaha, Biden accused Trump of “taking a wrecking ball” to democracy. “He’s taken a wrecking ball not only to the people’s house but to the Constitution, the rule of law, and our democracy itself,” Biden said. Biden also mocked Trump’s claim that the U.S. is in a “golden age.” “The only gold is the stuff he’s hanging on the mantle,” he quipped. “You work for us, Mr. President — not just for billionaires and millionaires.”
His remarks came just months after revealing his battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Biden, who completed radiation therapy, thanked doctors and researchers for their care and used his experience to criticize Republican healthcare policies.
“Trump and his Republican friends are cutting government funding for healthcare and making it more expensive for virtually everyone,” Biden warned. The speech underscored Biden’s effort to contrast his administration’s focus on democracy and healthcare with what he described as Trump’s self-serving leadership.