Jill Biden set to lead delegation to Paris 2024 Olympics, Internet wonders 'who will run the US'
WASHINGTON, DC: Jill Biden is set to lead the presidential delegation to the Summer Olympics in Paris later this month.
The White House announced on Friday, July 12, that the First Lady will attend the opening ceremony on July 26.
Jill Biden's involvement with the Paris 2024 Olympics comes amid Joe Biden's reelection bid
Jill Biden is expected to attend various Olympic events during her trip, according to the White House.
Her involvement comes at a crucial time for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, as Democrats within and outside the party are urging him to step aside following his poor presidential debate performance.
The First Lady previously led the US delegation to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which were rescheduled to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her presence brought a sense of normalcy to an otherwise unusual event filled with the pandemic's restrictions, including mask mandates and empty stadiums, noted CNN.
Jill Biden, as an active surrogate has been traveling across the country to bolster support for President Biden among key coalitions.
Her role in his campaign and the White House is seen as significant, especially at this pivotal moment for his candidacy.
Other delegates traveling to the Paris 2024 Olympics
In addition to Jill Biden’s role, Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States, is set to lead the delegation to the closing ceremony on August 11, 2024.
Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a military veteran who lost both her legs in Iraq in 2004, will head the delegation to the opening of the Paralympic Games on August 28.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will lead the delegations to both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games, per the White House.
In 2022, the US did not send an official delegation to the Winter Olympics in Beijing as a diplomatic boycott in response to human rights abuses in China.
Internet divides over Jill Biden leading opening ceremony at Paris 2024 Olympics
Jill Biden's participation in the Olympics has sparked varied reactions online.
Many users have, however, resorted to jokes amid concerns about Joe Biden's cognitive abilities, who is adamant about running for another presidential term amid growing calls to step aside.
"Joe would go but he's busy trying to remember who he is," joked one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Another quipped, "Who’s going to take care of Joe?" highlighting the humorous concerns about President Biden’s well-being during the First Lady's absence.
Other users speculated on Jill Biden's influence over the president. "She loves them perks. Jill is the reason Joe is staying. She won't let him do the decent thing," said one commentator.
Another echoed, "Which is why she won’t let Joe step down," suggesting that she is a driving force behind his decision to continue his presidency.
"Enjoy Air Force One while you can, Jill!" wrote one user, anticipating a possible loss for the Democrats.
Another humorously added, "But who will run the United States?" poking fun at the first lady's trip to Paris amid the political climate and concerns about President Biden's diminishing abilities.
She loves them perks. Jill is the reason Joe is staying. She won't let him do the decent thing.
— John F. Holdforth (@JohnHoldforth) July 12, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
