Biden mocked for his ‘Jeb Bush moment’ as he asks audience to applaud during West Point speech

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Joe Biden faced a rather tepid response from the audience during his commencement address to newly graduated cadets at the US Military Academy at West Point.

The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, saw Biden prompting the crowd to applaud a line he had hoped would be inspirational.

Joe Biden's speech met with audience silence

The President's address on Saturday, May 25, began on a light-hearted note, with Biden joking about the long-standing rivalry between West Point and Annapolis, home of the United States Naval Academy. The cadets responded with applause as Biden quipped about absolving them of any minor infractions.

However, the atmosphere shifted when Biden pivoted to a more serious tone, offering words of encouragement about America's role in the world. "Never forget, America is the strongest when we lead not only by our example of power, but by the power of our example," he declared. The room fell silent, prompting Biden to add, "You can clap for that."

The subsequent response was subdued, almost golf-like in its restraint, before Biden continued with his remarks. He emphasized that the cadets' loyalty should be to the Constitution, not to any political party, and assured them that American soldiers would stay out of Ukraine and Israel.

A Jeb Bush moment

Biden's awkward moment drew immediate comparisons to a similar incident involving Jeb Bush during his 2016 presidential campaign. At a February campaign event in Hanover, New Hampshire, Bush implored his audience to clap after a lengthy silence following his statement about the need for a quieter but more decisive American leadership.

"I will not trash talk. I will not be a divider in chief or an agitator in chief. I won't be out there blowharding, talking a big game without backing it up. I think the next president needs to be a lot quieter but send a signal that we're prepared to act in the national security interests of this country -- to get back in the business of creating a more peaceful world," Bush declared.

After being met with a long beat of silence, Bush told the audience, "Please clap," and was met with reluctant applause. The embarrassing incident became a defining moment of his campaign.

According to the Independent, West Point has often been a stage for significant presidential announcements. Past presidents have used commencement addresses at the academy to unveil new military strategies or address ongoing conflicts.

In his speech, Biden touched on various global issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and warned about China's ambitions regarding Taiwan and Iranian missile threats to Israel.

"Thanks to the US armed forces for doing what only America can do," Biden stated.

"As the indispensable nation, the world’s only superpower, and the leading democracy in the world."

While Biden refrained from directly mentioning his predecessor, Donald Trump, he alluded to values that have been focal points of his administration. He reminded the cadets of their oath.

“On your very first day at West Point, you raised your right hand and took an oath. Not to a political party not to a president but to the Constitution of the United States of America,” Biden said. “Hold fast to your oath.”

The President urged them to adhere to West Point’s honor code: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."

Joe Biden gets mocked online

The incident quickly became fodder for social media, where critics and commentators drew attention to Biden’s "Jeb Bush moment".

"When you've had a Jeb Bush moment in front of cadets it's time to pack it in," one posted on X.

"Can you imagine Trump having to ask a crowd to clap, lmao," another wrote.

"Is that an order, Mr. President?" someone else quipped.

"He's trying to make quotes that he thinks people will remember. He doesn't even know what day it is," a comment read.

"Lol imagine taking orders from this guy," another offered.

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