Trump: "Biden is 'Made in China'"... Fierce Criticism Targeting Democrats and China Together

Trump Accepts Presidential Nomination Speech
Attacks Biden Over Use of China and Anti-Racism Protests
"Most Important Election, Time for a Critical Choice"
Emphasizes Biden's Threats to America
"Will Protect American Jobs," Announces Upcoming COVID Vaccine
No Mention of North Korea
Post-Speech Gala Held at White House

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] "Biden's agenda is Made in China, my agenda is Made in America."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Donald Trump, President of the United States, officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. presidential election on November 3rd during his acceptance speech as the Republican presidential nominee on the night of the 27th (local time).

President Trump appeared at the White House South Lawn podium introduced by his eldest daughter Ivanka Trump and devoted most of his speech to criticizing Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate.

In his speech, which concluded the four-day Republican National Convention, President Trump claimed, "We have spent the last four years undoing the damage Joe Biden has caused over the past 47 years." He argued that Biden has ruined America during his tenure as a federal senator since 1972 and eight years as vice president.

This was also intended as a counterattack against Biden’s description of his term as a "dark era" during last week's Democratic presidential acceptance speech. The previous day, Vice President Mike Pence also strongly criticized Biden’s "dark era" remarks.

President Trump further raised the level of his offensive against the Democratic camp represented by Biden and Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, stating that "voters have never faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, and two agendas" in any previous election. He labeled the Democrats as "socialists" and "radical left," signaling that he will actively engage in ideological attacks going forward.

Using the term anarchist to belittle Biden, President Trump emphasized that voters must choose between the radical left and himself, raising his voice by saying, "This election is more important than any election in American history."

"China Wants Biden to Win"

President Trump repeatedly pointed out Biden’s bias toward China and urged voters to choose him to protect American jobs.

Especially, seemingly conscious of politicians who reject him, he claimed, "Politicians are self-centered and dissatisfied, but I put America first," emphasizing that he is free from the long-standing practices of the political world and works for America’s interests.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Regarding the speech, Politico noted that unlike the 2016 election, President Trump is no longer an outsider of the Republican Party and is trying to break through in a 'Trump style' regardless of the election outcome.

During the convention, President Trump used the police shooting of a Black man as an opportunity to counterattack Biden. He mentioned major cities like Kenosha, where protests occurred, and pointed out that crimes are happening in areas led by Democratic officials, emphasizing law and order. He also slandered Biden as a Trojan horse of the radical left and claimed he would ruin the country alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, a Marxist.

Conscious of the Black vote, President Trump said, "I have done more for Black Americans than Biden has in 47 years. The best is yet to come."

President Trump particularly emphasized that Biden supports defunding the police and vowed to expand law enforcement power if elected, asking voters to choose him to protect America’s safety.

He highlighted that he led the assassination of the leaders of ISIS and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, underscoring that he has been the president protecting American safety.

No Mention of North Korea... NATO Made Allies Pay More Defense Costs... Will Bring Troops Back Home

President Trump emphasized increasing defense cost-sharing among NATO allies but did not mention the defense cost-sharing issue with South Korea.

He mentioned the threat from Iran but did not say a word about denuclearization talks with North Korea or meetings with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

His mention of ending wars and bringing troops home leaves concerns about possible reductions or withdrawals of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. President Trump also mentioned South Korea, claiming he changed unfavorable trade agreements involving Biden.

He actively responded to criticism over the poor handling of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). President Trump said, "Before the China virus came, we had the best economy. I quickly closed borders with China and Europe. A vaccine will be developed within this year, maybe even sooner," and mentioned that treatments such as convalescent plasma therapy approved under his administration were led by the U.S. He also predicted that 10 million jobs would be created over the next 10 months.

Ignoring Social Distancing, 1,000 People Packed... Considered Postponement but Held Fireworks and Celebration Performances

Initially, President Trump considered postponing the speech due to the massive Hurricane Laura hitting Louisiana and other southern states, but he proceeded with the speech, saying the damage was not severe.

About 1,000 supporters filled the White House South Lawn to hear President Trump’s speech. It was difficult to see this as social distancing considering COVID-19, but White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows claimed sufficient measures were taken.

Unlike the Democrats, President Trump seemed to utilize the advantage of an offline speech by pointing out attendees such as children of police officers who died in the line of duty and border patrol agents, lifting the atmosphere. The audience responded by shouting "Four more years" during the speech.

At the convention, speakers including Ivanka Trump, senior advisor to the White House and Trump’s eldest daughter, Mitch McConnell, Republican Senate Majority Leader, Kevin McCarthy, Republican House Majority Leader, and Rudolph Giuliani, former New York Mayor, appealed for support for President Trump. Ben Carson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, gave the second endorsement speech by a sitting cabinet member following Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

After President Trump’s speech, a spectacular post-event followed. Fireworks were displayed at the Washington Monument located behind the speech venue, and then President Trump watched with the audience from a White House bench as vocalists performed "The Princess Sleeps No More," "Hallelujah," "Ave Maria," and "God Bless America" before departing.

After President Trump's speech ended, a spectacular fireworks display continued at the Washington Monument.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

U.S. Presidential Race Heats Up... TV Debate Anticipated

With both parties’ conventions concluded, the U.S. presidential race with 68 days remaining is expected to ignite. Due to the COVID-19 situation making large public rallies difficult, TV debates have become important. The debates will be held three times: September 29 (Ohio), October 15 (Florida), and October 22 (Tennessee).

Sharp exchanges continue over the TV debates. On this day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she does not expect a proper debate with President Trump and argued that Biden should not participate in the debates. The day before, President Trump suggested a doping test, claiming Biden became the candidate because he debated Senator Bernie Sanders best. This was evaluated as a typical negative campaign raising suspicions of drug use.