Former President Joe Biden faced criticism on social media after a video surfaced showing him comparing a Syracuse University trustee to Barack Obama during a campus event.
During a speech at Syracuse University's College of Law on Tuesday, where Biden was attending the unveiling of his portrait, the former president unexpectedly called Syracuse Board Chairman Jeffrey Scruggs to the podium. Biden told the audience that Scruggs bore a striking resemblance to former President Obama, prompting audible reactions from the crowd.
"The chittering sounds from the crowd lead us to believe that the comment was laughed off," according to video analysis, "but the audience on social media is not as forgiving."
Scruggs, who serves as both Chairman of the Board at Syracuse University and a managing director at Goldman Sachs, appeared to take the comparison in stride during the event. However, online commentators quickly seized on the moment, with many criticizing Biden's remarks as inappropriate or awkward.
The incident occurred during what was otherwise a ceremonial occasion celebrating Biden's connection to his alma mater. The video clip has since circulated widely across social media platforms, generating significant discussion about presidential decorum and public speaking etiquette.