Former President Joe Biden, 83, sparked a viral moment during a portrait unveiling ceremony at his alma mater, the Syracuse University School of Law, on Tuesday. While delivering a speech, Biden called out to a tall, slender African-American man in the audience, announcing that he looked like 'Barack.' The man was Jeff Scruggs, the chairman of Syracuse University's Board of Trustees, who had been seated onstage next to the former President throughout the event.
The Onstage Interaction
'Barack? What are you doing?' Biden asked, before repeatedly saying, 'Come here.' Scruggs sidled up to the former President, and Biden 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 comment.
Backstory Revealed
Behind the scenes, two sources familiar with the matter told the Daily Mail that there was more to the story. Backstage, Scruggs had informed Biden that his daughter wanted him to ask the ex-President if he resembled Barack Obama. The onstage display was intended to show that Biden believed Scruggs did indeed look like the former President.
Online Reactions and Historical Context
Online MAGA commenters, always vigilant for Biden gaffes, labeled the interaction as 'cringe.' They suggested that Biden, a white man, was playing into the stereotype of thinking every black person looks like Barack Obama. Throughout his presidency, Biden was known for his verbal missteps, including a 2022 incident where he asked, 'Where's Jackie?' about Representative Jackie Walorski, who had died in a car accident a month prior. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later explained that Walorski was 'top of mind' for Biden.
Biden's Post-Presidency Activities
Biden abandoned his 2024 reelection bid after a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump, who was reelected that November after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee who took Biden's place. Public opinion polling had long indicated concerns about Biden's age. Now in retirement, Biden continues to make public appearances, often spotted flying commercial and riding Amtrak trains. He has also advised Democrats over the phone, such as calling Emily Gregory, the Democratic winner of a Florida state House district encompassing Trump's Mar-a-Lago, after her victory in a previously GOP-held area.
Current Health and Political Involvement
Biden also reached out to Texas state Representative James Talarico, the winner of the Texas Democratic Senate race last month. However, Biden, who is being treated for Stage 4 prostate cancer, has not appeared at any campaign rallies for Democratic candidates ahead of the November midterms. The Daily Mail reported last month that he continues to offer guidance to Democratic candidates via phone calls, maintaining a low-profile role in current political efforts.
