President Joe Biden appeared at a U.S. Air Force graduation today. Just as he was about to leave the stage after handing diplomas to the new graduates, he tripped and fell over a misplaced sand bag. Two secret servicemen helped the President up after the tumble, but the fall was heard around the world.
President Biden is the oldest President in U.S. History at 80 years old. GOP criticisms of the Biden administration typically center on his age. Many conservative media personalities often argue that Biden’s mental state is not in tact, and that he should be removed from office and prevented from running for re-election in 2024. Today’s accident has only furthered right-wing criticism.
This is just sad.
If it just happened once, it would be an accident. Sadly, it is happening over and over again.
The time has come for @JoeBiden to retire. This is not a political statement as it is more likely that a Republican wins if he is running for reelection. Still,… https://t.co/JrJxohxmBd
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) June 1, 2023
Social Media Response
Others urge the internet to respond with compassion. Anyone could have tripped over the sand bag, and the fall is likely not a result of Biden’s older age. One Twitter user reminded people that former President Franklin D. Roosevelt used a wheelchair throughout his presidency, and that ageism and ableism should not impact how candidates are elected or treated.
To the ignorant people who are calling for President Joe Biden to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment because he tripped, here is a reminder that Franklin D. Roosevelt was confined to a wheelchair for his presidency.
Old people fall.
Young people fall.
Smart people… pic.twitter.com/iOwTELPVZo— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) June 1, 2023
Meanwhile, some remind young voters that all politicians deserve a healthy dose of constructive criticism. Progressive voters warn that given the current political landscape, Biden will likely be the only Democratic party option come 2024, and to truly consider his administration’s policies before swapping in favor of a younger candidate.
Biden fell on stage. So what? Republicans are making a big deal out of nothing and their outrage is truly pathetic ???? pic.twitter.com/2kYhdZCBWJ
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) June 2, 2023
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As of now, former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former Vice President Mike Pence have all announced plans to pursue the Republican nomination for the presidency. Each of these respective GOP candidates have notably worked towards restricting the civil liberties of several communities. Notably, the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the attempted overturn of the Respect for Marriage Act, and the passage of restrictive bills on LGBTQ+ rights.
President Biden joked with reporters that he was “sandbagged” and appeared in good spirits as he returned to the White House.
WATCH: “I got sandbagged,” Biden jokes about tripping and returns to the White House with a spring in his step. pic.twitter.com/oDZ6okCB2f
— Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) June 1, 2023
Biden will seek reelection in 2024.
