Trump mocks Biden as ex-US vice-president announces presidential bid

President Donald Trump has mocked Joe Biden over his interest in the United States presidential seat.

Biden, a former vice president, had announced his interest in contesting the presidential seat in a video posted on his Twitter handle on Thursday.

The former vice-president entered the race for Democratic Party’s presidential nomination for the 2020 election while calling on voters to deny Trump a second term in office.

Referring to Trump’s presidency as “abhorrent”, he said “we are in the battle for the soul of this nation”.

“The core values of this nation, our standing in the world; our very democracy; everything that has made America – America – is at stake.

“That’s why today I’m announcing my candidacy for president of the U.S.,” Biden said in a video in which the democrat pitches his bid to U.S. voters.”

The core values of this nation… our standing in the world… our very democracy…everything that has made America — America –is at stake. That’s why today I’m announcing my candidacy for President of the United States. #Joe2020 https://t.co/jzaQbyTEz3

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— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 25, 2019

But in his response, Trump took a swipe at Biden, saying he hopes the former vice-president has the intelligence to run a successful primary campaign.

“Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe,” Trump tweeted.

“I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate!”

Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe. I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2019

Biden accused Trump of drifting towards white supremacists, citing his controversial response to the 2017 Unite the Right rally and counter protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, when Trump said there were “very fine people on both sides.”

This will be the third attempt of the 76-year-old Democrat to vie for the presidential seat after two failed bids in 1998 and 2008.