Written by Michael Thompson.
In an interview with Black Entertainment Television (BET) on Wednesday, President Joe Biden appeared to forget the name of his Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. Instead, he referred to him as the “Black man.” This incident occurred as Biden was discussing his administration’s commitment to diversity and the backlash he has faced for appointing numerous Black officials.
Biden stated, “It’s all about treating people with dignity. For example, look at the heat I’m getting because I named a, uh, the secretary of defense, [the or a] Black man.” This awkward moment was compounded when he mistakenly called Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson just “Ketanji Brown.” He then concluded his point by saying, “I mean, because of the people I’ve named. It’s about making it clear that American history is Black history, Black history is American history, and it’s being built by it. That’s why we’re strong.”
The clip quickly went viral, sparking debate on social media about whether Biden referred to Austin as “the Black man” or “a Black man.”
A History of Gaffes
This isn’t the first time Biden has faced criticism for his remarks about Black individuals. In 2007, he apologized after describing Barack Obama as “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean.” His comment was seen as backhanded and offensive.
In 2019, Biden received backlash for saying “poor kids” were “just as bright and just as talented as white kids.” The implication that poor children are predominantly non-white was seen as another insensitive misstep. Then, in 2020, he told radio host Charlamagne tha God, “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.” He later apologized for the remark, but the damage was done.
Recently, Biden has also struggled with names, mistakenly calling Vice President Kamala Harris “Vice President Trump” and introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin.” These gaffes have raised questions about his cognitive abilities and attention to detail.
Social Media Reacts
As expected, Biden’s latest gaffe set social media ablaze. Critics and supporters alike debated the significance of the president’s slip-up. Some defended him, suggesting it was a harmless mistake, while others saw it as another example of his insensitivity towards race issues.
Public figures and everyday users weighed in, with many expressing concern about Biden’s repeated verbal blunders. The incident has reignited discussions about the president’s suitability for office and his ability to effectively lead a diverse nation.
Our Take
Biden’s repeated gaffes, especially concerning race, are troubling and highlight a deeper issue within his communication style. While his intentions may not be malicious, these slips undermine the progress he aims to showcase in terms of diversity and inclusion. For the public, it’s crucial to have a leader who can articulate policies and respect all communities without constant missteps. Biden’s frequent errors not only distract from his administration’s achievements but also risk alienating key voter groups.
BIDEN: “Look at the heat I’m getting because I, I named a, uh, the, uh, secretary of defense — the black man” pic.twitter.com/PJYzDznpIV
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 18, 2024
