Joe Biden says basement lockdown is ‘working pretty well’ for campaign

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden clapped back at President Trump and his GOP allies following weeks of being mocked for observing social distancing guidelines and remaining on lockdown in his Delaware home.

“All this stuff about ‘Biden’s hidin,’ well, you know, the fact of the matter is, it’s working pretty well so far, doing the rules,” the former vice president said in an interview with CNN Tuesday.

“He’s behind in almost every — every state,” he continued, noting that he recognized that the numbers could change between now and the November election.

Biden was referencing his climbing poll numbers, which have recently shown him ahead of Trump both nationally and in key swing states.

Since the coronavirus pandemic forced Americans into their homes in March, the Democratic presidential hopeful has been campaigning virtually from home.

In the two months since then, he has appeared for interviews on news programs, late-night talk shows and virtual campaign events via a television studio he had installed in his home.

President Trump, along with allies, have gone after Biden for his coronavirus-focused approach of staying home and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to stop the spread.

During her briefing Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany remarked, “I think, look, you know, the president is excited to see that Joe emerged from the basement.”

McEnany was referencing Biden’s first public appearance in two months on Monday, laying a wreath at a veterans memorial near his home with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden.

During that unannounced Memorial Day appearance, Biden kept his mask on while speaking from a distance to reporters, saying he was happy to be outdoors.

Asked if he had a message for the country on the holiday, the 2020 contender said, “Never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made. Never, ever, forget.”