On Friday, 81-year-old President Joe Biden appeared at a White House brunch celebrating “Black Excellence” on the South Lawn. As he shuffled out to deliver his speech, his performance raised questions about his age and ability, while Vice President Kamala Harris made efforts to cover for his struggles.
Crooked Joe Biden has no idea where he is right now.
This is the decline Kamala covered up. pic.twitter.com/t2hIosadJh
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 13, 2024
One key part of Biden’s speech, which sparked immediate controversy, was his claim that he had attended Sunday services at the AME church in Wilmington, Delaware, to plan desegregation efforts. However, this statement has been widely criticized as false, with historical records showing no evidence of Biden’s involvement in planning desegregation efforts in his home state.
The event, meant to honor and celebrate Black leaders and achievements, was overshadowed by concerns over the president’s physical and mental fitness. Biden appeared unsteady as he approached the podium, needing assistance from staff to find his place in the proceedings. His remarks, which were scripted on a teleprompter, seemed disjointed at times, further fueling concerns that his age may be catching up with him.
Biden’s public appearances have become the subject of frequent analysis, as many Americans, especially conservative critics, have questioned his ability to fulfill the demanding duties of the presidency. This recent display on the South Lawn only exacerbated these concerns, prompting debate over whether Biden is fit to seek re-election in 2024.
One of the most controversial aspects of Biden’s speech was his reference to his involvement in desegregation efforts. During his remarks, Biden claimed that he attended services at the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Wilmington while planning desegregation efforts in Delaware. He suggested that his participation in these services played a significant role in combating racial segregation in the state.
Cognitively Impaired Joe Biden, at his "Black Excellence" event, claims he'd "attend Sunday services at the AME church in Wilmington planning the desegregation efforts of my state."
None of that is true. This is the decline Kamala covered up. pic.twitter.com/ykW50RUTQc
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 13, 2024
However, historical evidence does not support this narrative. While Biden has a long history in Delaware politics and has claimed various connections to the civil rights movement, there is no documentation or firsthand accounts corroborating his alleged involvement in desegregation planning. Biden’s remark has been criticized as an attempt to rewrite history, which has led to backlash from both political commentators and historians.
Biden has been criticized in the past for embellishing his personal history. In this instance, the claim is particularly troubling, as it seems to distort his actual role in Delaware’s history of civil rights struggles. The president has previously faced scrutiny for making exaggerated or inaccurate claims regarding his involvement with the civil rights movement, and this latest incident adds to the list of misrepresentations.
Throughout the event, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to play a key role in managing Biden’s performance, stepping in at times to guide the conversation and make up for any gaps in the president’s delivery. Harris, who has been positioning herself as a key figure in the Biden administration, seemed to take on the role of a handler or caretaker, ensuring that the event ran smoothly despite Biden’s apparent difficulties.
Harris’ actions did not go unnoticed. Critics have pointed out that the vice president’s frequent interventions raise questions about the balance of power within the White House. While Harris is expected to play a supporting role in the administration, her increased visibility during Biden’s public appearances suggests that she may be filling a gap left by the president’s declining health and energy.
This dynamic has led some to speculate that Harris could play a more prominent role as the 2024 election approaches, either as a running mate or potentially as the Democratic candidate for president if Biden opts not to seek re-election.
The reaction to Biden’s speech and his false desegregation claim has been swift, with political commentators and media outlets from both sides of the aisle weighing in. Conservative media has been particularly critical, accusing Biden of exploiting a historically sensitive issue to bolster his political image. Many have taken to social media to voice their concerns over the president’s apparent attempt to rewrite history for personal gain.
On the other hand, some Democratic supporters have sought to downplay the controversy, framing Biden’s remarks as part of his broader effort to connect with African American voters and highlight his commitment to civil rights. However, even among Biden’s allies, there are concerns that these repeated gaffes and misstatements could undermine his credibility with voters.
Political analysts have noted that Biden’s track record of embellishments and misstatements could pose a challenge as he prepares for a potential re-election campaign. Voters, particularly those who are undecided or disillusioned, may view these incidents as evidence of dishonesty or a lack of transparency, making it harder for Biden to win over skeptical audiences.
As Biden continues to make public appearances and navigate the responsibilities of the presidency, it remains to be seen whether his age and declining performance will become a more central issue for the administration. The question of Biden’s fitness for office has been a recurring theme in political discourse, with concerns about his age and cognitive health repeatedly surfacing.
For now, the focus will likely remain on how the Biden administration responds to the backlash over the false desegregation claim. Whether the president chooses to address the controversy head-on or allow it to fade from public discussion will shape the ongoing narrative surrounding his leadership.
As the 2024 election season approaches, both Biden and Harris will need to confront these questions about the president’s health, credibility, and leadership style. Whether they can successfully manage the fallout from events like the “Black Excellence” brunch remains to be seen, but the road ahead promises to be challenging for an administration facing mounting scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum.
Why did you say Kamala would run ” either as a running mate or potentially as the Democratic candidate for president if Biden opts not to seek re-election.”? Have you not heard; Biden dropped out after his disastrous debate with Pres Trump, along with some, probably, threatening talks with Pelosi, among others. He handed the nomination over to Kamala, who had not received one vote in any primary.