Biden just keeps embarrassing himself.
On Friday, President Biden accidentally humiliated himself and wore a football helmet during a ceremony at the White House celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory. The moment drew comparisons to a famous incident from 1988 involving Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, who wore a helmet while riding in a military tank, an image that was widely mocked.
The humorous episode began when Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce encouraged the president to try on the helmet. After head coach Andy Reid and team owner Clark Hunt presented Biden with the autographed helmet, the 81-year-old president attempted to put it on. Initially, he struggled as the helmet bumped against his aviator sunglasses, prompting laughter from the team as he removed the glasses and successfully donned the helmet.
A nearby microphone picked up an exclamation from one of the team members, adding to the levity of the situation. Kelce, known for his relationship with musician Taylor Swift, joined in the laughter with his teammates. Swift did not attend the event due to her ongoing European tour.
Biden then approached the lectern, seemingly to speak, but his words were inaudible as the microphone had already been turned off. He eventually removed the helmet and held it as he made his way back to the White House.
This viral moment garnered a variety of reactions. Comparisons were made to Dukakis’s tank photo-op, which was intended to show military leadership but instead attracted mockery. Similarly, Biden’s helmet moment received a mix of criticism and amusement.
A number of commentators on social media used the incident to mock Biden, highlighting the awkwardness of his attempt to wear both his sunglasses and the helmet simultaneously. Others found the incident endearing and praised Biden for joining in the fun with the team, noting his willingness to engage in the lighthearted moment during the celebration.
WATCH:
The #Chiefs presented Joe Biden with his own helmet, which the players wanted him to try on.
Biden initially tried to put it on while wearing his sunglasses, but then took them off and successfully got the helmet on his head.pic.twitter.com/DQ8WNAYdwn
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 31, 2024