Jim Jordan Blasts Biden For Comparing Republican Governors in Texas and Mississippi to ‘Neanderthals’

Yesterday, President Biden said it’s a “big mistake” for states like Texas and Mississippi to lift pandemic restrictions, and called it a result of “Neanderthal thinking.”

His comments came the day after the Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Tate Reeves of Mississippi said they’re lifting COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates. 

“The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that, in the meantime, everything’s fine, take off your mask, forget it. It still matters. I think it’s a big mistake. I hope everybody’s realized by now these masks make a difference,” Biden said.

U.S. House Rep Jim Jordan blasted Biden for the comments and invoked previous names that Democrats, including Biden, have used to describe Republicans.

“First we were ‘deplorables.’ Then ‘chumps.’ Then ‘spineless cowards’ who only eat at Olive Garden. And now? We’re ‘neanderthals.’ Not smart enough to make decisions for ourselves. This is what the Democrats think of us,” Jordan lamented.

First we were “deplorables.” Then “chumps.” Then “spineless cowards” who only eat at Olive Garden.

And now? We’re “neanderthals.” Not smart enough to make decisions for ourselves.

This is what the Democrats think of us.

— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) March 4, 2021

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki defended Biden’s comments at today’s press briefing.

From the USA Today:

Asked whether it was productive to compare governors to Neanderthals while trying to convince state officials to get on board with the White House public health message, Psaki clarified the president was likening the decision to Neanderthal “behavior.” 

“The behavior of a Neanderthal, just to be very clear, the behavior of,” she said, adding that it was a “reflection of his frustration and exasperation” over some people flouting COVID-19 guidance to help curb the spread of the virus. 

“He believes that with more than half a million Americans’ lives lost, with families that continue to suffer, that it’s imperative that people listen across the country, whether they live in a red state or blue state, to the guidance of public health experts,” she said. 

Psaki also emphasized the president only had asked Americans to wear a mask for the first 100 days of his term, noting that there were still around 60 days left in that request. Thursday marked the 44th day of Biden’s presidency. 

Jordan noted the length of Biden’s presidency in a follow up tweet, although he didn’t count today, as he said, “Joe Biden’s been President for 43 days. It’s only going to get worse.”

Joe Biden’s been President for 43 days. It’s only going to get worse.

— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) March 4, 2021