“What is Biden talking about?”
That was the universal question Monday after President Joe Biden made an attempt at humor that went sideways, creating another opportunity to become the butt of jokes. Biden, who just celebrated his 81st birthday, was mocked online after a botched joke and critics were reminded of his mental state as the oldest president in U.S. history and his predecessor celebrated his own “excellent” health in comparison.
During the annual White House turkey pardoning, Biden kicked into his birthday celebration as well and attempted to make a joke that ended up confusing listeners.
In this clip, Biden claims the turkeys he was pardoning had a harder time getting to D.C. “than getting a ticket to the Renaissance tour or, or, or ripbritney’s tour, she’s down, it’s kinda warm in Brazil right now” https://t.co/4LkgBJzX46
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 20, 2023
“Now just to get here, Liberty and Bell had to beat some tough odds in the competition. They had to work hard, show patience, and be willing to travel over 1,000 miles,” Biden said, evidently talking about the turkeys traveling to Washington, D.C. But in trying to make the unlikely comparison to getting highly-prized tickets to a concert, the 81-year-old fumbled, mixing up Beyonce and Taylor Swift.
“You could say even harder than getting a ticket to the Renaissance tour or, or, or Britney’s tour, she’s down, it’s kinda warm in Brazil right now,” he said, either trying to reference Beyonce’s “Renaissance World Tour” or Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” His mention of Brazil was likely about Swift who just held a show there and many on social media wondered if, in saying “Britney” in his joke, he may have meant Britney Spears.
“What is Biden talking about?” tweeted the Republican National Committee’s research account.
NRCC Communications Director Jack Pandol declared, “This is an impeachable offense,”
“81-year-old Joe Biden, attempting to not appear ancient, mixes up Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears,” tweeted OutKick founder Clay Travis.
Biden abruptly leaves his turkey pardon ceremony and half-jogs back inside pic.twitter.com/uvDHaWuJpN
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 20, 2023
Biden took a jab at himself and his age in his comments during the event.
“This is the 76th anniversary of this event. And I want you to know, I wasn’t there, the first one,” he joked, adding that Americans this week will “gather with the people we love and the traditions that each of us have built up in our own families” in referring to Thanksgiving.
The president gave a nod to his turning 81 in a new social media platform, posting a picture of himself on Threads with a birthday cake seemingly ablaze with candles.
“I turned 81 and all I got was a new social platform! Thanks for the well-wishes, folks,” Biden wrote. “And to the workers at the birthday candle factory, I hope your union got you overtime.”
It’s true over here on the campaign side, too. I’ve joined Threads. Follow me there: https://t.co/vhwuw7j0zu. pic.twitter.com/XTdAcxbgEx
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 20, 2023
Amidst the confusion Biden caused with his turkey pardoning comments and the optics of a birthday cake engulfed in flames, former President Trump took the opportunity to deliver his own glowing health report.
“I am pleased to report that President Trump’s overall health is excellent. His physical exams were well within the normal range and his cognitive exams were exceptional,” Dr. Bruce Aronwald of Morristown, NJ. wrote in a letter posted by the 77-year-old former president on Truth Social.
HEALTHIEST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY!!! pic.twitter.com/uTcawnqwvL
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) November 20, 2023
“Cardiovascular studies are all normal and cancer screening tests are all negative. President Trump has reduced his weight through an improved diet and continued daily physical activity, while maintaining a rigorous schedule,” the doctor added.
The physician noted that he had made “several comprehensive examinations” of Trump, most recently on Sept. 13.
