The speech, outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, was an official White House event on what aides called the ongoing “battle for the nation’s soul” — a phrase Mr. Biden first used to describe the push for his candidacy when he launched the 2020 presidential campaign. On Thursday night, Mr. Biden said that “MAGA Republicans do not respect the Constitution,” “do not believe in the rule of law” and “refused to recognize free elections.” President Joe Biden delivers remarks about what he calls the “battle for the nation’s soul” in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, September 1, 2022. JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS Jean-Pierre, who was asked to speak about the presence of the Marines during the speech, argued that the appearance of the US Marines in the background of the president was appropriate because the Marines believe in the core values ​​of the nation and play a vital role in the defense of democracy domestically and around the world. “The presence of the Marines at the speech was intended to demonstrate the president’s deep and abiding respect for these service members, for these ideals and the unique role our independent military plays in defending our democracy, regardless of party in power. ” Jean-Pierre said during Friday’s news conference. Again, regardless of which party is in power. And it’s not unusual — it’s actually normal — for presidents from both sides of the aisle to give speeches in front of to members of the military, including President Ronald Reagan, President George W. Bush. It’s not an uncommon sight.” Another reporter asked about where the line should be drawn for the president on using military personnel in the context of a political speech. “For him, this was not a political speech,” Jean-Pierre said. “This was a timely opportunity to speak directly to the American people and be very clear, with a clear voice, to speak about what is happening in our country today. And it was about our values ​​as a country, about our democracy As a country. And so, that’s what the president wanted to convey. And he believes that the men and women who put on the uniform and protect us every day, protect this country every day, that’s what they’re fighting for, too.” But Mr. Biden’s speech laid the blame on members of a faction of a political party who, he said, “tried everything to invalidate the votes of 81 million people” and this time, he added, are “determined to succeed in frustrate the will of the people”. The president said Thursday that much of the rest of the GOP is “intimidated” by Trump and his supporters. “I think it’s my duty to tell the truth with you no matter how difficult, no matter how painful,” he said Thursday. “And here, in my view, is what it boils down to: The MAGA Republicans do not respect the Constitution. They do not believe in the rule of law. They do not recognize the will of the people. They refused to recognize free elections.” GOP Senator Marco Rubio, tweeting a still image from Mr Biden’s speech, commented: “Angry man defaming half the people of the country he is supposed to lead and promised to unite.” The Pentagon and the Marines referred requests for comment to the White House. Eleanor Watson contributed to this report.

Kathryn Watson

Kathryn Watson is a political reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, DC