Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will both be in Iowa Tuesday, and Biden is taking direct aim at Trump. In doing that, Biden encourages a media narrative of him vs. Trump, trying to strengthen the electability argument that’s so central to his candidacy. Either way, Biden’s leaving no doubt he can hit Trump hard, from the economy to climate change. Trump is, Biden will say, an “existential threat” to the U.S.
“How many sleepless nights do you think Trump has had over what he's doing to America's farmers?” Biden will say, according to prepared remarks his campaign has shared with some reporters to hype the visit. “Here's the answer: Just as many as he had when he stiffed the construction workers and electricians and plumbers who built his hotels and casinos. Zero.”
On climate change, “If he was just another rich guy sitting in his gold-plated apartment in Manhattan tweeting about how those pointy-headed scientists don't know anything, it wouldn't matter—but he's president.”
Biden will also call out Trump’s “crude language” and “embarrassing behavior.” Coming after yet another set of Biden comments suggesting that congressional Republicans will work with Democrats post-Trump, this highlights Biden’s effort to separate Trump and other Republicans, to make Trump the individual the problem rather than part of a bigger problem with the Republican Party.