Former President Joe Biden stirred attention during his visit to Syracuse University on Tuesday, where he unveiled his portrait, which will now have a permanent home in the law school’s Library Reading Room. The event, intended to honor his connections to the institution, took an unexpected turn when Biden made an awkward comparison between a Black member of the Board of Trustees and former President Barack Obama.
Biden’s remark came while he was speaking at the podium. He addressed the law school’s leadership before jokingly referring to Jeffrey M. Scruggs, the chairman of the Board of Trustees: “I always want to turn around to one guy and say… ‘Barack, what are you doing?'” The audience reacted with laughter, an indication that the moment, while cringeworthy to some, was light-hearted to others. He then invited Scruggs to join him on stage, adding, “I feel like he should be standing on the right and I should be standing on the left,” further eliciting laughter from Scruggs and those in attendance.
Commentators seized on this moment, sparking a debate across social media platforms. Critics pointed to Biden’s tendency for gaffes, suggesting that his age may be catching up with him. Conversely, defenders of the president argued that it was merely an innocuous joke, a testament to his approachable demeanor despite the political environment surrounding him.
As Biden continued his address, the tone shifted to one of reflection and personal storytelling. He credited his family, classmates, and mentors for shaping his career, stressing how Syracuse Law shaped his beliefs around justice. He recalled the journey from law student to public servant, emphasizing the importance of using the law to foster dignity, equality, and democracy in times of national upheaval and personal loss. His narrative included heartfelt references to his late son, Beau, and their shared values.
In his closing remarks, Biden turned the focus to his legacy. He expressed a desire to be remembered for championing democracy, stating, “As I began to build my presidential library and foundation, [I] hope to pass down to future generations a reverence for democracy.” He linked his aspirations for his legacy to the educational experiences shared with his classmates at Syracuse. “Whatever my legacy may be, I hope it will be said that I never stopped striving for the cause of democracy,” he added.
Biden’s comments underscored his deep-seated belief in the founding principles of the nation, as he declared, “I hope that long after I’m gone those future classes of Syracuse law students see the portrait and the reminder, not of me, but of the greatness and power of our democracy and of their obligation to do their part to preserve, protect, defend our Constitution.”
This blend of humor and earnestness highlights the complexity of Biden’s public persona. While the gaffe may have diverted attention momentarily, his commitment to the ideals of democracy and education resonated through the more serious notes of his speech. It illustrates the duality of Biden’s image: a man who can stumble through a joke yet remain steadfast in his dedication to the values he holds dear.
"*" indicates required fields
