President Joe Biden said he “may be a white boy” but he’s “not stupid” in an apparent attempt at a racial joke.
The president made the remark at a Black History Month event Monday while speaking about the power of the Divine Nine, a group of black fraternities and sororities.
“I may be a white boy, but I’m not stupid. I know where the power is … you think I’m joking. I learned a long time ago about the Divine Nine,” Biden said.
All the presidents of the Divine Nine “are here. I think we’re — I know — I don’t think, I know we are the first administration in history to not only ha- — and to have all the presidents here at one time, but we have a permanent officer here for the Divine Nine,” Biden added.
The president also joked that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Steven Horsford don’t speak to him any more, despite Biden campaigning for both of them.
“I campaigned for [Horsford], too. I don’t know what this means. They don’t talk to me anymore, though. I’m only kidding,” Biden joked.
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 27: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House marking Black History Month February 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. Black History Month honors the varied contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The president then touted his administration’s accomplishments for black Americans, including job growth and Medicare, and noted the White House showcased the movie “Till” for Black History Month.
“We created over 12 million jobs — the strongest job growth of any presidency in the first two years of our history. Black unemployment is near record lows. Wages for Black workers are up. And the two strongest years ever for small-business creation, which include strong growth in Black small businesses,” he said.
He asked for “folks” to give him a “break” on his attempt to issue student debt “relief.” (RELATED: Biden Admin Begins Approving Student Loan Forgiveness Applications Despite Ongoing Lawsuits)
“My administration is making our case to the Supreme Court, and I’m confident the legal authority to carry out that plan is there. I promise you: I have your back, and this is so much more we can do,” he said.
The president also called for a permanent Child Tax Credit, and for Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.