President Joe Biden encountered an awkward moment on Tuesday while attempting to hush a raucous crowd during a Black History Month gathering at the White House.
A video of the incident, shared by RNC Research on February 6, captures Biden gesturing and signaling for silence from the audience as he listens to a rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt.
The footage, circulating widely with over 2 million views, has evoked varied responses on social media. Some have criticized Biden for what they perceive as rudeness and disrespect toward both the attendees and the performer. Conversely, others have defended his actions, interpreting them as an effort to show appreciation for the music and the event’s significance.
More Read
“Biden tries and fails to quiet the crowd as he listens to a performance of ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ during a Black History Month reception,” RNC Research captioned the video, suggesting Biden’s gesture was met with resistance.
However, some observers have pointed out that the video was edited and lacks context. They argue that Biden received applause and cheers from the crowd after the performance and contend that his intention was not to silence attendees but rather to adjust the volume of the background music, which was deemed overly loud and distracting.
The reception took place in the East Room of the White House and formed part of Biden’s commemoration of Black History Month, which he heralded as a period to honor African American history, culture, and achievements, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the nation.
Accompanying Biden were Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian American woman to hold the position, alongside other prominent Black leaders and activists.
During his address at the reception, Biden lauded the contributions and struggles of the Black community and pledged to champion racial justice and equality. He acknowledged the myriad challenges confronting the nation, particularly in the midst of the ongoing pandemic and economic downturn.
