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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Former Democratic President Joe Biden appeared to stumble over the word 'America' in a recent LGBTQ+ forum speech in Washington, D.C.
Newsweek reached out to Biden’s office via a contact form on its website for comment.
Why It Matters
Biden's recent verbal stumble during a high-profile speech at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference on Friday has reignited debates over his health and public presence.
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As he accepted an award for advancing LGBTQ+ rights and for running "the most inclusive administration in US history," Biden's visible struggle with the word 'America' during a key moment in his address drew immediate attention, fueling ongoing scrutiny about his well-being.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions over LGBTQ+ policies and the direction of national dialogue on equality and inclusion, involving both major U.S. political parties and widespread media coverage.
The event puts the spotlight back on leadership, age, and the role of public figures in the nation's ongoing civil rights discussions.
What To Know
Biden was giving a keynote speech at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., an annual gathering hosted by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, an organisation that supports people from the community who are in elected office.
The audience included elected officials, activists, and community leaders from across the nation.
While urging elected officials and advocates to "continue the fight" for equality, Biden stumbled, appeared to say, "We're the United States of Amerigotit."
Biden said: "We just have to get up. As long as we keep the faith … and remember who the hell we are. We're the United States of Amerigotit, that's who we are! We're the U.S.!"
He further emphasized the need to "keep this fight going" and "protect the Constitution" in the context of what he described as challenges posed by President Donald Trump's administration, saying: "All of us are dismayed by the present state of the union."
During his remarks, Biden accused Trump and his supporters of trying to "distort and derail our fight for equality", saying they had "weaponized people’s basic identity and turned it into a political football," and attempted to turn LGBTQ+ rights into "something scary, something sinister."
He said: "It's not really about anything that's all that complicated. At its core, it's about giving every American an opportunity to be treated with the basic decency, dignity, and respect they all deserve."
He added: "We are not guaranteed a fairytale ending, but I believe the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. I know I am characterized as an eternal optimist. But I am."
The speech was part of an event where Biden accepted the Chris Abele Impact Award, honoring his administration's efforts to increase LGBTQ+ representation, with approximately 15 percent of his administration's appointees identifying as LGBTQ+, according to the Institute.
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What People Are Saying
Spencer Hakimian, Founder of Tolou Capital Management, posted on X: "Joe Biden with a gaffe: 'We're the United States of Ameragottit.'"
In his speech, Biden said: "Donald Trump and the MAGA republicans are trying to distort and derail our fight for equality. They are trying to turn it into something scary, something sinister…When I took office, I promised to have an administration that looked like America. I kept my promise."
He later added: "There are young people sitting alone as I speak, scrolling through social media, wondering whether they will ever truly be accepted for who they are."
Evan Low, President & CEO LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, said: "Coming together as LGBTQ+ political leaders now is not just necessary, it's absolutely critical for the forward progress of our movement. We need each of our LGBTQ+ elected officials and policy makers to unite in Washington for this pivotal moment in the fight for equality, freedom and civil rights."
Right-wing commentator Benny Johnson said: "Joe Biden emerges from hiding, screaming at the LGBTQ community to ‘get up and fight back’ and ‘protect the Constitution.’"
What Happens Next
Biden's speech and its stumble have reignited public and political scrutiny over his age, health, and communication abilities.
The incident may influence ongoing deliberations within the Democratic Party about messaging on LGBTQ+ rights and identity issues, especially in the aftermath of the 2024 election cycle.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and similar advocacy organizations are likely to continue emphasizing the impact of Biden's policies.
Meanwhile, Trump's administration continues to pursue different approaches, including restrictions on medical interventions for transgender youth and military service, setting up further political contrast and policy debate.
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