On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed Biden dropping his melting ice cream bar after being smuggled into Harvard for a surprise appearance.
University was marred by embarrassing blunders, leaving students and onlookers questioning his presidential readiness.
Former President Joe Biden’s surprise appearance at Harvard
On social media, a user who goes by @ke11yb shared a video on Instagram showing Biden making a surprise visit to Harvard, but gaffes followed.
On Wednesday, 82-year-old Joe Biden was smuggled into Harvard University for an unexpected appearance at the Institute of Politics.
The former president addressed roughly 50 students in a session that quickly turned awkward due to his notable gaffes.
Biden misidentifies Ukraine causing confusion among students
According to Harvard Crimson, during the 82-year-old’s conversation with around 50 students at the Ivy League school’s Institute of Politics, he made several embarrassing blunders.
It is a reminder of those that marred his brief and troubled 2024 re-election campaign.
During his remarks, Biden mistakenly referred to Ukraine as Iraq while discussing Russia’s ongoing invasion.
His longtime adviser, Mike Donilon, quickly corrected him, but the slip-up did not go unnoticed.
Footage captures an awkward moment showing the melting ice cream mishap, adding to Biden’s public blunders
Later, while enjoying an ice cream bar, Biden fumbled and dropped it to the floor. This incident was just another in a series of gaffes that have plagued his public appearances.
Biden also praises Harvard for rejecting Trump’s antisemitism policy demands
Despite the awkward moments, Biden praised Harvard’s stance against the Trump administration’s attempts to impose changes aimed at curbing antisemitism on campus.
“Harvard stepped up in a way no one else has. You should be really thankful,” Biden told the students Wednesday.
He also commended the school for standing firm against the demands to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Outside the event, pro-Palestinian protesters voiced their anger at Biden’s appearance. They chanted, “Biden, Biden, you can’t hide. You’re committing genocide,” criticizing his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Social media reactions: Students capture moment with Biden
Some students shared their excitement by posting photos with the former president on social media.
One student called it “an incredible day to meet Joe Biden,” despite the controversy surrounding his visit.
One person said: I think he needs to be out there on a speaking tour full time
A second wrote: Probably still thinks he is at Diary Queen
While a third commented: He is sick…with dementia….I hope none of you have a loved one/self have to go through it
Someone else said: Still a waaaay better person than Trump will ever be.
Another added: They should just let Joe stay at home, and eat his pudding cups and yell at the TV
Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign has been plagued by similar verbal flubs. His public appearances have drawn criticism, with critics pointing to his difficulty with clear communication.