Joe Biden jokes about returning to presidential race during WH briefing, Internet calls it 'clown show'
WASHINGTON, DC: During a recent White House briefing, President Joe Biden humorously addressed speculation about his return to the presidential race.
When a reporter asked if he might reconsider his decision to drop out, Biden responded with a grin, saying, “I’m back in!” before waving and exiting the room.
Joe Biden’s humor amid political pressure
This light-hearted moment comes after Biden withdrew from the race in July, following pressure from Democratic party members and a challenging debate against former president Donald Trump.
While his joke elicited a few chuckles, it didn’t land as strongly as he might have hoped, given the context of his earlier withdrawal and Kamala Harris’ subsequent nomination as the Democratic candidate.
Joe Biden's comedic roasts and political commentary at correspondents’ dinner
Biden has recently showcased his comedic side, using the 2024 White House Correspondents’ dinner to roast Trump, with many of his jokes directed at his Republican rival.
He quipped, “The 2024 election is in full swing. And yes, age is an issue. I’m a grown man running against a six-year-old.” Some jokes hit home, like his jab at Trump’s speech about Gettysburg: “Trump’s speech was so embarrassing, the statue of Robert E Lee surrendered again.”
However, a few lines didn’t quite resonate, such as his self-deprecating remark about being in politics for 50 years, which was met with mixed reactions: “I know you’re looking around, saying this guy’s been doing this for 50 years. He’s had his moment. Give someone else a chance. To that I say, Lorne, ignore the critics.”
Biden also poked fun at actress Scarlett Johansson, saying, “Scarlett Johansson, you did an incredible job in the State of the Union rebuttal, you should do ‘Weekend Update.’ Clearly you’re the funny one.”
He then humorously addressed his relationship with the media, stating, “The New York Times issued a statement blasting me for, quote, ‘actively and effectively avoiding independent journalists.’ Hey, if that’s what it takes to get the New York Times to say I’m active and effective, I’m all for it.”
He kept the mood light but also pivoted to a serious note about press freedom and the threats to democracy posed by Trump.
Internet reacts to Joe Biden's joke about reconsidering presidential race
Social media users mocked Joe Biden for his joke as soon as it went viral on YouTube. A user said, "Imagine a press secretary making you stop talking."
Another added, "He has to be the weakest example of a world leader in the last 200 years. He certainly doesn't act like he's in charge."
A user wrote, "The clown show lol."
Another commented, "He jokes while Americans suffer real funny Democrats. Vote Donald Trump to save America."
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.
