You’ve probably seen this clip somewhere that shows President Joe Biden alone in a crowded East Room as attendees flock around former President Barack Obama.
Watch the nine or so minutes recorded after Tuesday’s East Room event (it starts at about minute 39:40) however, and you see the whole story. Yes, Obama does not immediately turn his head when Biden puts a hand on the former president’s shoulder, but at other times he is friendly and hands on.
Others greet Biden, which you don’t see in the snippet.
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Is Biden the draw that Obama is? No, but Obama hasn’t been at the White House for five years. Former staffers, who work for Biden, are happy to see him. And let’s face it, at 60, and a young 60 at that, Obama has a lot more spring in his step than Biden, 79, and an old 79 at that.
I’ve heard people say that if they were in the East Room in any other administration, they’ want to meet the president.
Got it. But:
Most of the people in the room work for the administration or Congress. They’re in the East Room on a regular basis, so Obama is the novelty act here. The fact that they did not swarm Biden for all ten minutes signifies little.
Another observation: I think the clip went viral because it shines a spotlight on how old Biden is. He’s slow. He uses old-man gestures, like the claw (his hand on Obama’s shoulder) to get attention.
As someone in her 60s, I am acutely aware that people age and it’s not their fault. But it doesn’t exude strength and presidents are supposed to look tough. It may only be for seconds, but he looks as if he is shuffling down the hall in a nursing home.
In the future, I suspect, the White House will work harder to have an aide by Biden’s side so as to prevent such clips. It’s not a good look.
Debra J. Saunders is a fellow at the Discovery Institute's Chapman Center for Citizen Leadership. Contact her at dsaunders@discovery.org. Sign up for free post notices below.
Note: I made a correction on last graph. It said I suspect White House will “look harder” when I meant to write “work harder.”