U.S. News
Biden’s Syracuse Speech Takes an Awkward Turn
Clear Facts
- Former President Joe Biden compared Syracuse Board Chairman Jeffrey M. Scruggs to Barack Obama during a portrait unveiling.
- The event took place at Syracuse University’s law school, where Biden was being honored as an alumnus.
- The speech drew attention after Biden gestured toward Scruggs and continued the comparison in front of the crowd.
Joe Biden interrupted his own speech at his alma mater to single out a member of the audience. He pointed toward Chairman Jeffrey M. Scruggs while suggesting the man was actually the 44th president.
“I always want to turn around one guy and say ‘Barack, what are you doing?’”
Biden said.
The former president then gestured insistently for the university leader to return to the stage. Biden continued to press the comparison as Scruggs stood near him during the ceremony.
“Doesn’t he look like Barack!?”
Biden asked the crowd.
“Come here, come here, come here,”
he said.
These actions follow claims in the book Original Sin by authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. The text details instances where Biden reportedly failed to recognize longtime acquaintances, including actor George Clooney.
The book further describes internal White House maneuvers to manage Biden’s schedule and public appearances.
Advisers reportedly disagreed over how to handle growing public concerns regarding the president’s stamina and mental capacity.
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