Biden's Syracuse University Appearance Features 'Barack' Comparison
Former President Joe Biden, 83, sparked a viral moment during a speech at Syracuse University School of Law on Tuesday, where he publicly compared a tall, slender African-American man to former President Barack Obama. The incident occurred during a portrait unveiling ceremony at Biden's alma mater, drawing immediate attention online and from political commentators.
The Onstage Interaction
During his address, Biden noticed Jeff Scruggs, the chairman of Syracuse University's Board of Trustees, who had been seated onstage throughout the event. "Barack? What are you doing?" Biden asked, before repeatedly saying, "Come here." Scruggs approached the former president, who then remarked, "I feel like he should be standing to the right and I should be standing to the left. Doesn't he look like Barack?" The audience and Scruggs shared a laugh at the comparison.
Behind the Scenes Context
According to two sources familiar with the matter, the interaction was not entirely spontaneous. Backstage before the event, Scruggs had told Biden that his daughter wanted him to ask the former president if he resembled Barack Obama. The onstage display was reportedly Biden's way of demonstrating that he believed Scruggs did indeed share a resemblance with the 44th president.
Online Reaction and Historical Context
MAGA-aligned commenters quickly seized on the moment, labeling it "cringe" and suggesting that Biden, a white man, was perpetuating stereotypes by implying that all black people look alike. This incident adds to Biden's long history of verbal gaffes during his political career, including:
- In 2022, asking "Where's Jackie?" about Representative Jackie Walorski, who had died in a car accident a month earlier
- In 2024, claiming his uncle had been eaten by cannibals during World War II
- White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre struggling to explain both incidents
Biden's Post-Presidency Activities
Since abandoning his 2024 reelection bid following a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump, Biden has maintained a public presence while dealing with health challenges. The Daily Mail reports that he continues to advise elected Democrats and Democratic candidates by phone, having recently contacted:
- Emily Gregory, the Democratic winner of a Florida state House district encompassing Trump's Mar-a-Lago
- Texas state Representative James Talarico, winner of last month's Texas Democratic Senate race
Despite these behind-the-scenes efforts, Biden has not appeared at any campaign rallies for Democratic candidates ahead of the November midterms. This absence comes as he receives treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer and as Americans have consistently expressed concerns about his age in public opinion polling.
The former president has been spotted flying commercial airlines and riding Amtrak trains during his retirement, maintaining the approachable image that characterized much of his political career while navigating the complexities of post-presidential life and health challenges.
