“Con, failure, fraud”: Biden’s birthday

US President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign marked former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday with a caustic message that sparked a new wave of political fervor.

“Happy birthday, Donald. You are a crook, a failure, a fraud and a threat to our democracy, our economy, our rights and our future,” Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer said in a statement. “On behalf of America, our first gift on your 79th birthday: to ensure that you are never president again.”

The statement was followed by the Biden administration sharing a mocking list of Trump’s 78 “accomplishments”:

Additionally, in a private message on X, Biden said, “Happy 78th birthday, Donald. Take it from one old man to another: age is just a number. But this election is a choice.”

Happy 78th birthday, Donald. Take it from one old man to another: age is just a number.

But this election is a choice. pic.twitter.com/8KssiJuJwQ

–Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 14, 2024

As election season heats up, this exchange risks being the precursor to a highly controversial and intensely personal campaign. Biden and Trump are expected to leverage their significant agendas and influence to sway an electorate that remains deeply divided.