Biden’s Fourth of July gaffe comparing WWI to presidential race sparks outcry

President’s remarks questioning “If Americans would make the same sacrifices” draw criticism at the White House event.


Pop Culture & Art July 05, 2024
Courtesy: AFP

President Biden made several notable gaffes and misstatements during the official White House Fourth of July celebration, often appearing confused and greeting the crowd with an unexpected “Ho ho ho! Happy Independence Day!” 

The 81-year-old president, joined by First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, delivered a brief holiday message that left many puzzled.

Although Biden seemed more energetic compared to his much-criticized June 27 debate performance, his statements were still disjointed.

“We gotta do what our founders did: show the world we’re a nation of dignity, honor, and just devotion to one another,” he said, before encouraging the audience to enjoy the fireworks.

As Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” played, Biden and the group exited the stage. However, Biden hesitated mid-step, unsure of where to hand the microphone, ultimately giving it to a stagehand after a few uncertain steps. 

He then descended a short flight of stairs and mingled with the crowd.

Earlier, at a White House barbeque, Biden stumbled through his speech, claiming highway congestion no longer exists and nearly calling his political opponent Donald Trump his “colleague.” 

He trailed off several times in his four-minute address, despite using a teleprompter.

Biden focused his remarks on his recent trip to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, paying tribute to the “heroes” who sacrificed their lives for democracy. 

He compared World War I to the current presidential race, questioning if Americans would make the same sacrifices, before abruptly stopping a critique of Trump.

“By the way, I was in that World War I cemetery in France, and one that my colleagues, the former president, didn’t want to go and be up there,” Biden said, before admitting he shouldn’t have made the comment. He also oddly claimed he was “in and out of battle” during the trip, quickly pivoting with his usual segue: “Anyway.”

Biden then left the stage to applause but returned for a brief encore, claiming traffic is no longer an issue. 

“One last thing, and I used to think when I was a senator, there were always congestion on the highways. There’s no congestion anymore,” he said, baffling many with his remarks.

His disjointed speech comes amid rumors that the Democratic party is considering replacing the president. 

Former Obama adviser Van Jones stated Thursday that the party is in “full-scale panic” following Biden’s heavily criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

During the 90-minute debate, Biden made several errors, including claiming his son Beau “died in Iraq” and saying he “beat Medicare,” while also appearing to freeze at one point.

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