While we’re used to former President Donald Trump making questionable remarks, they’re less expected from the USA’s current head of state.
Which is probably why the words ‘sorry, what?’ sprung to mind for so many on Friday (23 September) when Joe Biden made a weird comment at the National Education Association headquarters in DC.
Biden was addressing an audience of teachers and union members at the Democratic National Committee when he spotted someone he knew in the audience and derailed his speech to acknowledge them. Watch Biden's response below:
“You gotta say hi to me,” Biden said to the unidentified woman.
“We go back a long way. She was 12 — I was 30. But anyway, this woman helped me get an awful lot done,” he continued.
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Despite cheers from the crowd, social media users were quick to point out how weird Biden’s comment was, with one person writing on Twitter: “Under what circumstances is that comment not followed by: ‘Sir, come with us we have some questions?’”
Another added: “What the hell dude!” while a third said: “What did I watch?”
Other comments included: “I'm curious... What 12-year-old was Joe Biden with when he was 30?” and “Creepy.”
UNILAD has approached Biden’s office for comment.
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It was a busy Friday for Biden, who also awarded Elton John a medal for the singer’s work to end Aids.
John said he was ‘flabbergasted’ and ‘felt honoured’ by the gesture, which took place at a bash organised by the History Channel and A+E Networks.
After performing hits including Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man, Biden surprised John with the National Humanities Medal, citing the star’s work through his organisation, The Elton John Aids Foundation.
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John, who was moved to tears, said: “Since I founded the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission.”
After performing on the lawn of the White House, the hit-maker added: “We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from Aids, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step closer to making that a reality.”
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Aisha Nozari