Tonight, President Trump declined to rebuke violence.

He wouldn’t even repudiate one of his supporters who is charged with murder.

He is too weak, too scared of the hatred he has stirred to put an end to it.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 1, 2020

Biden issues a statement in response to the murder of two racial justice protestors at the hands of 17 year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, calling out Trump for failing to “rebuke violence.” In calling Trump weak and scared, Biden leverages Trump’s own emasculation strategies. However, he challenges the characterization of what is “strong,” tying strength of leadership and character – and even masculinity – to non-violence.