Heckler repeatedly yells ‘Let’s go Brandon’ as Biden denounces political violence in primetime address
‘They are entitled to be outrageous, this is a democracy. Good manners is not something they have ever suffered from’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A heckler repeatedly yelled “Let’s go Brandon” as Joe Biden denounced MAGA Republicans and threats of political violence in his primetime address.
The phrase has become a Republican code for insulting the president and was shouted repeatedly as Mr Biden gave a speech on protecting democracy from Philadelphia on Thursday.
Mr Biden even joked about the heckler using a “bullhorn” and defended their right to voice their opinion.
“They are entitled to be outrageous, this is a democracy,” he said. “Good manners is not something they have ever suffered from.”
The heckling could be clearly heard on the live television feed of the speech, which was in front of Independence Hall.
“Throughout our history, Americans have often made the greatest progress coming out of some of our darkest moments like you’re hearing on that bullhorn. I believe we can and must do that again – and we are.”
During his speech, Mr Biden told the country that there was no place in politics for violence and threats.
“There are public figures today, yesterday, and the day before predicting and all but calling for mass violence and rioting in the streets. This is inflammatory. It’s dangerous,” said Mr Biden.
“I want to say this plain and simple – there is no place for political violence in America. Period. None. Ever ... we can’t be pro-insurrectionist and pro-American. They are incompatible.”
Earlier in the speech, Mr Biden had targeted Donald Trump for scathing criticism.
“Equality and Democracy are under assault. We do ourselves no favor to pretend otherwise,” says President Biden.
And he added: “Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments