Biden Calls For Unity At 'Battle Box' Instead Of 'Ballot Box'

A day after Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday urged national unity in a rare national address, where he inadvertently referred to resolving differences at the “battle box” instead of the “ballot box.”

The 81-year-old leader, known for making similar gaffes, made these remarks in an Oval Office address from the White House. On Saturday, presumptive GOP nominee Trump was holding a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when shots rang out, hitting his right ear and leaving his face streaked with blood.

Using the formal setting of the White House Oval Office on Sunday, Biden said, "I'll continue to speak out strongly for our democracy, stand up for our Constitution and the rule of law, to call for action at the ballot box. No violence in our streets. That's how democracy should work."

In an earlier address on Sunday, Biden said the attack on Trump "calls on all of us to take a step back. We can’t allow this violence to be normalised. The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It's time to cool it down," he said, adding, "We all have a responsibility to do this."

Moments before the assassination attempt, the Biden campaign's social media manager had referred to Trump as a would-be "dictator."

On earlier occasions, Biden has described Trump as a dangerous threat to democracy, creating what Republicans say is a climate of hatred.