Over Memorial Day weekend, Americans usually get a break from the intense politics of today. However, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump were set to use this time to appeal to veteran voters, as campaign season ramps up entering the summer.
Biden planned to join the Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. Later in the week, he is expected to commemorate the ninth anniversary of his son Beau Biden’s passing with his family. Beau, who served as an officer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps during the Iraq war, died in 2015 from brain cancer.
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Trump, on the other hand, was expected to attend the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race on Sunday. The campaign had not yet disclosed his plans for Memorial Day but typically, presidents use this time to honor military families and highlight their policies impacting them.
In recent weeks, Biden has focused on veterans and the military. During the West Point commencement ceremony, he spoke about cadets’ commitment to apolitical patriotism, drawing a contrast to Trump’s controversial 2020 address at the same location. Biden emphasized the importance of their oath to uphold the Constitution.
President Biden traveled to Nashua, New Hampshire, earlier in the week to celebrate the approval of the 1 millionth claim under the PACT Act, which helps veterans exposed to toxic chemicals access care more easily. He spoke about his personal connection to the issue, mentioning his son Beau’s experience.
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In early June, Biden is set to travel to Normandy, France, for D-Day ceremonies. There, he plans to discuss threats to democracy. Trump, on the other hand, has criticized Biden’s leadership and foreign policy decisions.
While it’s unlikely Biden will engage in politics on Memorial Day, his upcoming trip to France will emphasize Trump’s past actions, including a reported snub of a World War I cemetery visit in 2018. Veteran voters historically lean towards the Republican party, but Biden has made strides in winning their support.
In 2020, a significant portion of military voters backed Biden, showcasing a shift in support from the 2016 election.
