Former US President Joe Biden appeared to briefly struggle to find the correct way off stage after delivering a sharp speech attacking President Donald Trump at the Maryland Democratic Party’s Fight Back & Win Summit on Saturday.At the conclusion of his remarks, Biden looked to the side of the stage for guidance, pointed in two different directions while seeking confirmation, and then exited with his back to the audience after being shown the correct route.The moment came after the 83-year-old defended his presidency and launched one of his strongest public attacks on Trump since leaving office.During his speech at the event near Baltimore, Biden criticised Trump’s foreign and domestic policies, accusing him of pursuing “vanity projects” and corruption.“It’s not just his vanity projects – tearing down the East Wing of the White House making room for his ballroom. Putting his name on the Kennedy Center. Building an arch in his own honor. Even hiring his own pool guy to fix the reflecting pool. Woah – what a loser,” Biden said.
Biden sharpens criticism of Trump
According to CNN, the 10-minute speech marked one of Biden’s most pointed critiques of Trump since leaving office. He accused the current administration of corruption and criticised plans to compensate people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.“The reflecting pool reflects something even worse than the narcissism and incompetence at the core of this administration,” Biden said. “It’s the corruption, the corruption, the brazen, blatant corruption. Corruption on a scale never seen before in American history in any administration.”Biden also urged Democrats to remain engaged despite being out of power.“To all you who love our country, my message tonight is straightforward and simple: Get up, dammit. Get up now. Continue this fight!” he told supporters.
Comes days after another on-stage moment
The appearance followed another widely discussed public event earlier in the week during the opening of former President Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago, where, according to the New York Post, Biden appeared unsure at the end of the ceremony and called out, “Where’s my granddaughter?” before being guided by former first lady Jill Biden.Biden relied on a teleprompter during Saturday’s speech, coughed several times early in his remarks and occasionally squinted while reading.
Former president remains active despite health battle
Biden has continued making public appearances and speaking at Democratic events even as he navigates a difficult post-presidency.Many Democrats remain frustrated over his handling of the 2024 election, while recent polling has shown his favourability at its lowest level since leaving office.The former president is also undergoing treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.He is receiving radiation and hormone therapy while also working on his presidential memoir and continuing fundraising efforts for his future presidential library.Ahead of Saturday’s speech, Biden met Maryland governor Wes Moore and senator Chris Van Hollen, both considered potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential election.
