Despite White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s recent assertion that President Joe Biden does not insult voters or the American people, there have been several instances where the President’s remarks have raised eyebrows.
During a 2019 town hall in Iowa, while campaigning for the presidency, Biden engaged in a heated exchange with a voter. The discussion turned tense when the voter questioned Biden about his age and his son Hunter’s involvement with Burisma Holdings in Ukraine. Biden’s response to the voter included calling him a “damn liar” and dismissing his concerns about age and mental faculties.
This incident was not isolated. In May 2020, Biden appeared on Charlamagne tha God’s “The Breakfast Club” radio show, where he made a controversial comment implying that Black voters unsure about whether to support him or Trump in the election “ain’t Black.” This statement drew criticism for its insensitivity and assumption about Black voters’ political choices.
Later in August 2020, Biden’s interaction with a CBS News reporter, Errol Barnett, also turned contentious when asked about taking a cognitive test. Biden retorted with a sarcastic question about the reporter being a “junkie,” a comment that was seen as inappropriate and disrespectful.
During a campaign stop in September 2020, Biden confronted an autoworker, telling him he “doesn’t work for him” before labeling him a “horse’s a–.” This blunt exchange was another instance where Biden’s responses to voters and members of the public seemed contrary to the White House’s claims about his demeanor.
Additionally, in 2022, Biden was caught on a hot mic making a derogatory remark about Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, calling him a “stupid son of a bi—” after Doocy asked a question about inflation. This incident again highlighted moments where Biden’s remarks to individuals in public settings have been less than presidential.
These instances contrast with the White House’s portrayal of Biden as a president who refrains from insulting voters or the American public. The series of contentious interactions suggests a different narrative, raising questions about the President’s approach to dissenting voices and critical questioning.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these incidents.