President Joe Biden's casual remark about his plans for the September 11 anniversary has sparked criticism and raised eyebrows.
According to Mediaite, the President's choice of words while addressing reporters on Tuesday evening has drawn attention for its potentially insensitive phrasing.
Before boarding Marine One, Biden outlined his schedule for the coming days, including a visit to New York for his granddaughter's birthday and plans to watch the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. However, it was his statement about the 9/11 anniversary that caught listeners off guard.
The President's statement, "Tomorrow, I'm doing 9/11," has been criticized for its casual tone and potential misinterpretation. The statement's wording, which could be misconstrued, has led to discussions about the importance of careful language when addressing sensitive topics.
President's Controversial Statement on 9/11 Plans
The criticism of Biden's remark stems from the potential ambiguity in his phrasing. While it's clear he was referring to his plans to commemorate the September 11 attacks, the casual nature of saying "doing 9/11" has been viewed by some as inappropriate given the gravity of the event.
This remark, while likely intended to be a straightforward description of his schedule, has been scrutinized for its potential to be misunderstood or viewed as insensitive to the significance of the day.
The President's schedule for September 11 typically involves visiting the three sites where the terrorist attacks occurred in 2001: New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. These visits are an important part of the nation's annual commemoration of the tragic events.
Biden's Thoughts on Vice President's Debate Preparation
In addition to discussing his own schedule, President Biden shared his impressions of Vice President Kamala Harris's preparation for her upcoming debate with former President Donald Trump. He expressed confidence in her readiness, describing her demeanor.
Biden told reporters:
I spoke to the vice president. She seems calm, cool, and collected. I think she's gonna do great, and I'm not gonna tell you what advice I gave her.
The President's comments suggest a supportive stance toward his Vice President as she prepares for this high-stakes political event. However, he refrained from divulging any specific advice he may have offered Harris.
Context of Biden's Political Status
It's worth noting that Biden's current role in these events comes after a significant shift in his political trajectory. The President was initially expected to be the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. However, he ended his re-election bid in July, following what was described as a poor debate performance against Trump.
This decision came just weeks after Biden turned 81, making him the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. His age and performance have been subjects of ongoing discussion in political circles and media coverage.
President Biden's schedule announcement highlights his continued engagement in national events and political processes despite no longer being in the running for re-election. His plans to commemorate 9/11, attend family events, and support Vice President Harris in her debate underscore the multifaceted nature of presidential duties. The casual mention of "doing 9/11" has drawn attention, while his confidence in Harris's debate preparation reflects ongoing political dynamics within the Democratic Party.