A fiery exchange between President Joe Biden and an Iowa voter during the 2020 campaign has resurfaced, drawing renewed scrutiny of Biden’s temperament.
Video re-shared on social media on Tuesday, December 5, shows Biden slamming the man as a “damn liar” and calling him “fat” after being challenged on his son Hunter’s Ukraine ties.
The video from the December 5, 2019, campaign event captures 84-year-old retired farmer Wayne Messam pressing Biden on his age and fitness for office.
Messam also referenced Hunter Biden’s lucrative role on the board of a Ukrainian energy company while Joe Biden oversaw Ukraine policy as vice president.
“You sent your son over there…to get access for the president,” Messam is heard accusing. Biden angrily responds by jabbing his finger in Messam’s face.
“You’re a damn liar, man!” Biden snaps. He goes on to challenge the voter to IQ and fitness tests.
As the tense exchange continues, Biden mutters “Look, fat…” while dismissing Messam’s claims. The Biden campaign tried claiming he said “Look, fact,” but critics insist he insulted the man’s weight.
“Joe Biden doesn’t know how to treat voters,” the RNC’s Steve Guest tweeted at the time. “Not only does Biden call the voter ‘a damn liar,’ he goes on to call the voter ‘fat’.”
The viral video has re-emerged on social media four years later as Biden gears up for a likely 2024 re-election bid.
Critics claim it showcases Biden’s short temper and abrasive side when challenged by everyday Americans.
“This angry spat tells you everything you need to know about Biden’s fitness for leadership,” writes commentator Benny Johnson.
“He lashes out when questioned, refuses accountability, and resorts to petty insults.”
Others defend Biden for showing fire in the face of what they call misleading attacks.
“The voter was parroting Trump’s Ukraine disinformation campaign,” claims liberal analyst Jessica Valenti. “Biden was right to aggressively shut down those lies.”
Nonetheless, the re-aired clip provides easy attack fodder for Republicans. It feeds into conservative claims that Biden is a volatile bully out of touch with voters.
They say it’s one of many incidents displaying Biden’s “angry” persona and alleged hostility toward critics.
With Biden yet to officially declare his 2024 plans, the reemergence of his “damn liar” and “fat” comments could haunt another White House run.
If nothing else, it serves as an embarrassing blast from Biden’s past that raises renewed doubts about his self-proclaimed “middle-class Joe” image.
