It seems President Joe Biden can’t escape criticism of his response to gun violence in the country, not even on his own turf.
During an event at the White House on Monday, Biden was speaking about bipartisan gun control legislation when one of the attendees began to heckle him.
”Today’s many things. It’s proof that despite the naysayers, we can make meaningful progress on dealing with gun violence,” Biden said.
He continued, ”Because make no mistake…”
“Sit down, you’ll hear what I have to say,” Biden said after he was interrupted by a man who was identified as Manuel Oliver — whose son died in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Oliver reportedly shouted, ”We have to do more than that!”
“I’ve been trying to tell you this for years!” he added.
Watch the video below:
"We have to do more than that!"
— The Recount (@therecount) July 11, 2022
— Parkland father Manuel Oliver interrupts President Biden celebrating the passing of the bipartisan gun safety bill pic.twitter.com/wCCzdPTcmP
Biden then went on as though nothing happened, ”Let me talk. Let me talk, OK? Because make no mistake about it, this legislation is real progress. But more has to be done. The provision of this new legislation’s going to save lives. And is proof that [in] today’s politics we can come together on a bipartisan basis to get important things done.”
A camera appeared to show Oliver talking to a man who approached him while Biden pressed on with his remarks.
Eventually, Oliver turned around and started walking away.
Last week, there were several stories that noted Democrats are frustrated because they feel Biden is not showing the energy and zeal necessary to meet the moment.
Monday’s exchange is just the latest example of Biden’s shortcomings. In an ideal world, apparently for some members of his party, Biden would have taken this opportunity to deliver some fiery speech off the cuff that seemed as though it was written for “The West Wing” which would lead the crowd to leap to their feet and applaud.
But this is not cable TV. And Biden is not an eloquent speaker who can deliver a rousing call to action on the spot. Instead, he seems to have to stick to a script, and even then, he still has trouble.
His response to this interruption is just another example of why so many Democrats are starting to grow nervous and frustrated about their standard-bearer ahead of 2024.