President Joe Biden mocked Republicans for “going after Mickey Mouse.”
Biden spoke at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser at the Portland Yacht Club on Thursday where he suggested the “Far Right has taken over” the Republican Party, per the White House transcript.
“There’s virtually no Republican support. My — as my colleagues can tell you — and, by the way, I’ve been a guy who’s not been one of these guys suggesting Democrats are always bad. I mean that sincerely,” Biden said.
He added, “And I had a reputation — I think my colleagues would tell you — in the Senate of putting these things together, Democrats and Republicans.”
According to Biden, what has happened is “that there are a number of Republicans who know better, but they’re afraid.”
He continued, “I know — I won’t ask for names, but I’m sure my colleagues can tell you from the Senate at least six United States senators have come to me and said, ‘I know — I know I should vote for this, Joe. But if I do, they’ll primary me and I’ll be out.’ It’s not very courageous, but this — the Far Right has taken over that party.”
The president argued it is “not even conservative in a traditional sense of conservative.”
Biden went on, touching on the ongoing feud between Florida and Disney over the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.
He said, per the transcript, “It’s mean. It’s ugly. It’s the way — look what’s happening down in Florida. (Inaudible), they’re going after Mickey Mouse. (Laughter.) (Inaudible.) I mean, seriously, think about it. As my friend used to say (inaudible), ‘Who woulda thunk it?’ (Laughter.)”
On Thursday, the Florida House passed a bill to dissolve Disney’s special self-governing status.
BREAKING: The Florida legislature has passed the bill dissolving Disney World’s self-governance status in retaliation for Disney's (belated) opposition to Florida's Don’t Say Gay law. It now heads to DeSantis' desk to be signed into law.
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) April 21, 2022
NBC News noted the legislation would dismantle the company’s special district in June 2023.
The outlet explained, “The district, which was created by a 1967 state law, allows Disney to self-govern by collecting taxes and providing emergency services.”
