In a highly anticipated return to the public eye, former Vice President Joe Biden’s recent speech in Chicago has caused quite a stir. While speaking at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Convention, Biden struggled with his delivery and used controversial language that has raised concerns about his political future.
The incident occurred when Biden was recounting a story from his time as a young senator in the 1970s. He spoke about his efforts to desegregate schools and how he would ride the train to and from Washington, DC every day. He then went on to say, “I remember going over, convincing our team to convince the senators to vote for bus integration…and, you know, I used to get on the bus to go to 83rd Street and Parkside, and all those places, and I’d get in the back of the bus and talk to the drivers. And I remember the first time I got on the bus, and they’d moved the white folks back to the front and colored folks back to the back.”
The use of the term “colored folks” has sparked outrage and criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Many have called it a racially insensitive and outdated term, while others have defended Biden, saying it was a slip of the tongue. However, this is not the first time Biden has faced backlash for his language. In the past, he has been criticized for his use of the word “boy” when referring to former President Barack Obama and for calling then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney “the man from Bain.”
But it’s not just his language that has raised concerns. Throughout his 30-minute speech, Biden struggled with his delivery, often pausing and stumbling over his words. At one point, he even mistakenly referred to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition as the “PUSH Rainbow Coalition.” This has led to speculation about his age and mental acuity, as Biden is 76 years old and has faced questions about his health in the past.
The implications of this speech are significant for Biden’s political future. He is currently the front-runner in the crowded Democratic primary race, but this latest incident has called into question his ability to be an effective candidate. With the 2020 election quickly approaching, it is crucial for Biden to maintain a strong and consistent performance on the campaign trail.
This is not the first time Biden’s public speaking abilities have come under scrutiny. In the past, he has been known for his gaffes and off-the-cuff remarks. While some have found his candor endearing, others have questioned whether he has the discipline and focus to be an effective leader.
The Chicago speech has only added fuel to the fire for those who have doubts about Biden’s candidacy. It has also given his opponents an opportunity to criticize and attack him. President Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, tweeted a video of Biden’s speech with the caption, “Sleepy Joe has lost his fastball, and it shows.” This is just one example of how the incident has been used to undermine Biden’s credibility and fitness for office.
However, it’s important to remember that one speech does not define a candidate. Biden has a long and impressive political career, serving as a senator for 36 years and as vice president for two terms under Obama. He has been a champion for civil rights and has a strong record of working across the aisle to get things done. While his recent speech may have been a misstep, it should not overshadow his accomplishments and qualifications.
In response to the criticism, Biden’s campaign has released a statement saying, “Vice President Biden has spent his career fighting for civil rights and the dignity of all people. He believes deeply in the values of inclusivity and equality for all Americans.” They also clarified that Biden was referring to the segregation of schools, not the segregation of buses.
It’s clear that Biden’s intentions were not malicious, but rather a slip of the tongue. However, in today’s political climate, any misstep can have significant consequences. As a front-runner in the race, Biden must be more careful with his words and delivery, as they will be heavily scrutinized.
In conclusion, Joe Biden’s recent Chicago speech has raised concerns about his political future. His use of controversial language and struggles with delivery have given his opponents an opportunity to attack him and have called into question his ability to be an effective candidate. However, it’s important to remember that one speech does not define a candidate, and Biden’s
