'His reflexes were on 100': Internet impressed as Biden jokes 'it wasn't me' as someone fell during speech
BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS: In a rare turn of events, US President Joe Biden garnered internet praises as he appeared to joke about his repeated stumbles to the press after hearing someone fall during his address.
The 80-year-old POTUS made the quip while delivering remarks in Belvidere, Illinois regarding a potential labor agreement to keep a factory open in the city amid the ongoing United Auto Workers' strike throughout the country.
A thump sounded from somewhere in the audience during the address, pushing Biden to stop his speech to check in on whoever fell.
President Biden hears something fall during his UAW speech and says, “I want the press to know that wasn’t me.” pic.twitter.com/wDckPRjFpc
— The Recount (@therecount) November 9, 2023
The president turned his head and asked, “Are you OK?” Following an inaudible response, Biden declared, "I want the media to know that wasn't me."
As Biden began to imitate walking unsteadily around the stage, the audience burst into laughter and applause. After waiting for the applause to stop, the president resumed his speech.
A White House pool report later confirmed that the sound came from someone tripping on a riser during the ceremony.
President Biden’s previous embarrassing falls
Biden’s joke was in reference to his previous public falls and stumbles that raised concerns over his physical health.
In June, the president took a sudden tumble onto the floor after appearing to trip over a sandbag while delivering a graduation speech at the US Air Force Academy.
He managed to get out without further issues as three Secret Service officials hurried to aid him. Biden suffered another incident in October when he stumbled walking up the stairs to a podium before giving a speech on his economic agenda.
In June 2022, Biden fell off his bike while on a ride with his wife, First Lady Jill Biden in Delaware. "I’m good," he said appearing in good spirits.
Following the incident, the White House stated that the President stumbled as his foot became stuck in a pedal when he was dismounting but he was fine and did not need medical assistance.
Biden’s stumbles and falls also come as voters become more and more concerned about his age ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Internet reacts to Joe Biden’s jokes
After President Biden’s remarks surfaced on the Internet, several users praised him for his reflexes and light-hearted joke.
“His reflexes were on 100! Lol,” one user said. “Seen this clip a few times and still laughing!!🤣😂🤣😂He has a good sense of humor! lol!” the second user praised.
“This is how you address the age issue,” the third user asserted while the fourth wrote “I've watched this five times. Straight up hilarious.”
“And he made sure they were alright before making the joke. but sure, he's senile and has no idea what's going on,” the fifth user stated.
“You can’t tell me he’s senile. He’s still sharp and witty,” one said.
and he made sure they were alright before making the joke
— RJ Swinton (@RicoSuaveJD) November 9, 2023
but sure, hes senile and has no idea what's going on
I've watched this five times. Straight up hilarious.
— The Last PicketLineBrandon Jedi 😈 (@Yaktuary) November 9, 2023
Seen this clip a few times and still laughing!!🤣😂🤣😂He has a good sense of humor! lol!
— Lisa Matye🟧 (@lisa_matye) November 9, 2023