Joe Biden Delivers Befuddling Campaign Speech Saying He’s Running for Senate Against the “Other Biden”
Photo courtesy of Getty Politics News Joe Biden
On Monday, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden made a few considerable flubs during a speech in South Carolina, where the fourth Democratic primary vote will be held this Saturday. In his speech, Biden said that he was a “candidate for the United States Senate” and that if voters didn’t agree with his policies, they could vote for “the other Biden.”
This is so sad.
Here @JoeBiden says to the crowd in South Carolina that he is “running for the United States Senate” and that if they don’t like him they can “vote for the other Biden.”
I honestly wish he would’ve retired & not subjected himself to the rigors of this campaign. pic.twitter.com/mygFnsrdjC
— Shaun King (@shaunking) February 25, 2020
The full transcript reads: “My name is Joe Biden. I’m a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate. Look me over, if you like what you see, help out. If not, vote for the other Biden.”
This is far from the first gaffe that Biden has had during his candidacy—earlier this month, he mistakenly referred to New Hampshire as Nevada during the primary. These apparent lapses in memory and fact have led to increased concerns over Biden’s ability to effectively hold office.
Politico’s Natasha Korecki, however, offered an explanation for Biden’s words:
This is how @JoeBiden often closes out his events; he tells the crowd that some things about campaigning haven’t changed since he first ran for Senate when he was 29, he goes on to recite his old pitch —including what’s said in the video below— before circling back. https://t.co/q753E1×11D
— Natasha Korecki (@natashakorecki) February 25, 2020
However we interpret these confusing remarks, Biden is still the projected frontrunner in South Carolina. According to the numbers from polling firm Public Policy Polling, Biden leads with 36% of the votes, with Senator Bernie Sanders in second with 21%. While both candidates are ahead of the pack, the poll also shows Biden as the only candidate with a favorability rating of over 50%.
The South Carolina primary will take place this Saturday, Feb. 29.
Note: This article has been updated to reflect that Biden made his comments in South Carolina, not North Carolina. The irony of this is not lost on us.