Staff Reports
President Joe Biden used a classic movie quote to express his frustration with people who deny the reality of climate change. During a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, Biden referred to John Wayne and a line from a cowboy movie, saying, “He’s a lying, dog-faced pony soldier!” The president then went on to say that there are many “lying, dog-faced pony soldiers” out there when it comes to global warming.
Biden complains 'there's a lot of lying, dog-faced pony soldiers' regarding climate change https://t.co/8v6MpRv8tI
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 10, 2023
Of course, Republicans are not pleased with Biden’s choice of words. They see this as another example of the president dismissing their concerns and refusing to engage in productive dialogue. It’s no secret that conservatives have been skeptical of the urgency surrounding climate change, and Biden’s comment only further reinforces their belief that he is not interested in listening to their side of the argument.
This incident also highlights Biden’s tendency to make off-the-cuff remarks that can be seen as disrespectful or dismissive. It’s not the first time he has used colorful language to make a point, and it likely won’t be the last. This kind of rhetoric may play well with his progressive base, but it does little to bridge the political divide and find common ground.
On a brighter note, Biden did address important issues during his time in Vietnam, such as semiconductor supply chains, trade, investment, and countering human trafficking. However, his emphasis on these topics may be overshadowed by his controversial comment about “lying, dog-faced pony soldiers.” It’s a missed opportunity for the president to show that he can rise above partisan bickering and engage in meaningful discussions with Republicans.
Overall, Biden’s reference to John Wayne and his use of a colorful phrase may have momentarily satisfied his supporters, but it does little to address the concerns of conservatives. It’s another example of the president’s inability to connect with those who hold differing views and find common ground on important issues like climate change.
