Biden Tells Black University Leader He Looks Like Obama During Portrait Event

Clear Facts

• Former President Joe Biden attended his law school portrait unveiling at Syracuse University
• Biden publicly told Syracuse Board Chairman Jeffrey he resembled Barack Obama during the ceremony
• The incident occurred during Biden’s speech at his alma mater on Tuesday

Former President Joe Biden made an unusual comparison during a portrait unveiling ceremony at Syracuse University’s law school on Tuesday. Biden, who attended the event at his alma mater, paused mid-speech to single out a Black university leader for an unexpected remark.

During his address, Biden pointed into the audience and told Syracuse Board Chairman Jeffrey that he resembled former President Barack Obama. The comment came as Biden was speaking at the unveiling of his own law school portrait.

The incident adds to a pattern of Biden making racially-tinged comments throughout his political career. Critics have long pointed to Biden’s history of controversial statements about race, including his 2020 campaign remark that voters who couldn’t decide between him and Trump “ain’t black.”

Syracuse University hosted the ceremony to honor Biden’s time at the institution. The former president graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968.

Biden’s tendency to make off-script comments has been a recurring issue throughout his decades in public service. This latest incident at his alma mater demonstrates the ongoing concern about his public appearances and unscripted moments.

The comparison between the Syracuse board chairman and Obama appeared to be based solely on physical appearance. Such comments have historically drawn criticism from both conservative and liberal commentators who view them as inappropriate and reductive.

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