https://cdni.rt.com/files/2020.05/xxl/5eab7d7f2030277c755cbd27.JPG

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said he will serve as a “transition candidate” in the 2020 race, arguing his primary role is to funnel new voices and ideas into government – rather than govern himself.

“I view myself as a transition candidate,” Biden said during a virtual fundraising event on Thursday, adding “My job … is to bring the Mayor Petes of the world into this administration … and even when they don’t come in, their ideas come into this administration.”

JUST IN (via campaign press pool)Joe #Biden says during virtual fundraising event he’s a “transition candidate” for the future of the Dem party:”I view myself as a transition candidate…My job is…to bring the Mayor Petes of the world into this administration.”#2020electionpic.twitter.com/UsDizbOVEU

Jumping far ahead of the election in November, as well as the Democratic nominating convention, Biden described his hopes for when he “leave[s] office,” saying he would handle “big issues” and garner attention for talented staffers who “haven’t been in the national spotlight enough.”

READ MORE: ‘I know all about false accusations’: Trump says Biden should respond to Tara Reade sexual assault claims

The former VP’s latest slogan – effectively labeling a future Biden administration a placeholder before the more able “Mayor Petes of the world” can take over – did not inspire much confidence among netizens.

Biden 2020: “I View Myself as a Transition Candidate” — truly a slogan to inspire the masses https://t.co/FiccSWQT5N

Pete Buttigieg – the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, perhaps known better as “Mayor Pete” – ended his presidential campaign in March, just in time for Super Tuesday, helping to push moderate Democratic voters to Biden. Critics have speculated that the mayor and other “centrist” candidates, such as Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, dropped out in coordination with the Biden campaign to ensure his victory over Sanders on Super Tuesday.

If Biden views himself as a transition candidate, why shouldn’t the voters cut out the middleman? https://t.co/lbsQNEtNC6

Supporters of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who dropped out of the race and endorsed Biden in early April, shredded the statement, arguing Democrats had traded a “transformational” candidate for a mere “transitional” one.

Biden Tonight: “I view myself as a transition candidate. My job’s to bring the Mayor Petes of the world into the administration.”Centrists rejected a transformational candidate for a “transition candidate” who will maintain the status quo during a time when we need real change.

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