Biden slams Trump MAGA Republicans for "semi-fascism" at Maryland rally

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Biden slams MAGA Republicans for semi-fascism

President Biden speaks during a rally hosted by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland, on Thursday. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images President Biden railed against Trump-allied Republicans Rockville, Maryland, on Thursday night in his first political rally speech in the leadup to November's . Why it matters: Biden's comments that "" are a "threat" to democracy and other criticisms of former President Trump and his "Make America Great Again" movement are some of his most pointed yet. Of note: Biden's comments at a donor event for Democrats earlier in the evening that "it's not just Trump, it's the entire philosophy that underpins the — I'm going to say something — it's like semi-fascism" of some Republicans.Republican National Committee spokesperson Nathan Brand in to news outlets called Biden's comments "despicable." What he's saying: "The don't just threaten our personal rights and economic security," . "They're a threat to our very democracy. They refuse to accept the will of the people. They embrace ... political violence. They don't believe in democracy."This is why in this moment, those of you who love this country — Democrats, independents, mainstream Republicans — we must be stronger," he added.Biden also told the cheering crowd that in 2020, "you and 81 million Americans voted to save our democracy" — and "that's why Donald Trump isn't just a former president, he is a defeated former president." The big picture: During his speech, Biden seized on key differences between Republicans and Democrats ahead of the midterms."I want to be crystal-clear about what's on the ballot this year," Biden said."Your right to choose is on the ballot this year. The Social Security you paid for from the time you had a job is on the ballot. The safety of our kids from gun violence is on the ballot."Addressing a push by some conservatives for a , Biden said: "MAGA Republicans don't have a clue about the power of women. Let me tell you something: They are about to find out." Meanwhile, Biden made the case for Democrats' policies to , saying: "It's not hyperbole — the very survival of our planet is on the ballot." Between the lines: Biden's comments come as a out this week shows Democrats are equally as motivated about the midterms as Republicans, from previous polling.Democratic strategists credit the decision by the Supreme Court's conservative majority to as a motivating force for otherwise-disillusioned Democrats to show up for the midterms — though the overall picture looks bleak, writes. The other side: "Biden forced Americans out of their jobs, transferred money from working families to Harvard lawyers, and sent our country into a recession while families can't afford gas and groceries," Brand said in his statement. "Democrats don't care about suffering Americans — they never did."Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Go deeper: Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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