Both fathers themselves, the two major-party candidates for the White House paused on Sunday to mark the weekend’s holiday through social media messages, but — as might be expected — did so by offering wildly different Father’s Day greetings.
President Joe Biden started the day using his social media accounts to share what might reasonably be called a standard Father’s Day greeting, offering well wishing on behalf of his family to dads across the country.
“Today and every day, we celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives who guide us with support and inspire us to be our best selves,” the 46th President wrote on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, pops, and father figures who have shown us guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love,” he said via his Facebook page.
White House social media accounts declared that “the Biden-Harris Administration wishes a happy Father’s Day to all the dads who work tirelessly to build a better future for our families. Your dedication and strength inspire us all!”
Former President Donald Trump’s Father’s Day message was somewhat less in keeping with holiday tradition but very on brand for the 45th President. Delivered as an all-caps screed via his Truth Social media platform, after touching briefly on the holiday Trump used the opportunity to rail against the alleged source of his many legal troubles, whom he also apparently wishes well.
“Happy Father’s day to all, including the radical left degenerates that are rapidly bringing the United States of America into third world nation status with their many attempts at trying to influence our sacred court system into breaking to their very sick and dangerous will. We need strength and loyalty to our country, and its wonderful constitution. Everything will be on full display come November 5th, 2024 – the most important day in the history of our country,” the 45th President wrote, capitalization ours.
“Make America Great Again,” Trump wrote.
Trump’s message came following several other morning posts, including an attack against “the Rotund Governor from the once great State of Illinois,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker, pictures from his Saturday rally in Detroit, Michigan, and a Breitbart story about polling out of Arizona showing him up by 8 points.
Recent national polling suggests Biden and Trump are running neck-and-neck in the race toward November’s general election, with polling averages giving Trump a less-than one point lead.
Here are some other Father’s Day messages from around the political world.
“Happy Father’s Day to Massachusetts’ dads, stepdads, grandfathers and father figures! Thank you for the love, support and strength you show our kids and families. I hope you find some time to sit back and relax today,” Gov. Maura Healey shared.
“My daddy always believed in me. ‘That’s my Betsy,’ he’d say. I wouldn’t be where I am now if he hadn’t pushed open a door for me. I’m thinking of him today, and I’m wishing a happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures out there fighting for their kids,” U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote.
“Happy Father’s Day to everyone! ‘Of all the titles that I’ve been privileged to have, the title of ‘Dad’ has always been the best,’” U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote, quoting 1978 World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Ken Norton.
“Happy Father’s Day! The most fulfilling job I’ve ever had is being Sasha and Malia’s dad. To all those lucky enough to take on the role of being a father, I hope you enjoy your day,” former U.S. President Barack Obama wrote.
