This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
June 30, 2020, marked a significant day in the US presidential election as Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, launched a scathing attack on President Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden emphasized the need for a president who would prioritize the safety and well-being of the American people over a 'cheerleader' who only focuses on boosting his own image.
'The American people didn't make enormous sacrifices over the past four months so you could waste your time with late-night rantings and tweets,' Biden said, according to excerpts distributed by his campaign.
He also criticized Trump for ignoring the science and turning responsible steps like wearing a mask into a political statement.
Biden's campaign released an updated plan for fighting the coronavirus, which includes improving testing and tracing, supplying personal protective equipment, developing a vaccine, and reopening the economy.
He encouraged President Trump to adopt this plan in its entirety, saying that it would be a crucial step towards protecting the American people.
As of Tuesday, more than 126,000 people had died of the virus in the United States alone, and over 2.6 million people nationwide had been infected.
