Joe Biden’s recent visit to Naval Station Norfolk for a Thanksgiving event with military families has raised eyebrows due to his peculiar interactions, particularly with a young girl. Biden, known for frequently mentioning his son Beau in military settings, appeared to get somewhat confused during his talk with the service members. However, the most awkward moment was when he approached a six-year-old girl, commented on her ears, which resembled Mickey Mouse ears, and asked if she was 17.

Jill Biden’s reaction to this interaction seemed to reflect the discomfort many felt. But the President continued with his habit of making questionable remarks. He told the audience a dubious story about being nearly appointed to the Naval Academy, only to choose the University of Delaware because he wanted to play football, a choice influenced by the presence of Roger Staubach and Joe Bellino at the Academy.

This claim doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Staubach graduated in 1965, and Bellino in 1961, contradicting Biden’s timeline. Moreover, Biden graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965, making his story about the Naval Academy appointment implausible. Despite claiming a football career, Biden’s actual experience in the sport was brief and at Delaware, not at a level that would justify turning down the Naval Academy.

The President’s history of receiving deferments and not serving in the military, coupled with his tendency to embellish or fabricate personal anecdotes, especially to those who have genuinely served, is problematic. His statement, “I like kids more than people,” which he has made previously, only adds to the discomfort around his interactions with children, given his well-documented habit of engaging with them inappropriately.

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about Biden’s behavior and the accuracy of his statements, raising questions about his awareness and sensitivity, particularly in settings involving military personnel and their families.

Author: Blake Ambrose