A deluge of reactions ensued across various platforms after the emergence of Joe Biden's brief video clip on social media.
Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden sparked a social media frenzy after mistakenly discussing plans to build a transoceanic railroad stretching from the Pacific Ocean "across" the Indian Ocean. Users swiftly mocked his remarks as a "bold initiative," leading to the viral circulation of the video clip shared by critics. Millions of views flooded in. Biden made the blunder during his speech at Wednesday's League of Conservation Voters Annual Capital Dinner, fuelling further online discussion and amusement.
BIDEN: "We have plans to build a railroad from the Pacific all the way across the Indian Ocean" pic.twitter.com/p3yvuaupsF
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 15, 2023
As per the transcript of his speech on the White House website, President Joe Biden mentioned, "Our plans include constructing a railroad spanning from the Pacific, extending across the Indian Ocean. We also have intentions to establish one of the world's largest solar plants in Angola." Despite veering off-script and anticipating repercussions, Biden's remarks elicited a momentary burst of laughter from the attendees. The published transcript provides insights into the president's statement during the event, highlighting his administration's ambitious infrastructure plans and commitment to renewable energy.
As soon as the short clip appeared on social media, a torrent of responses followed.
"That is going to be a heck of a railroad," GOP consultant Matt Whitlock tweeted. "Put grandpa to bed," another of his critics from the Republican Party, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley's press secretary Abigail Marone, tweeted.
"Can't wait to take a train to India for my next business trip! Should be great," a third user said on Twitter.
Several months prior, President Biden had inadvertently lauded China during a speech delivered to the Canadian Parliament.
"Today, I applaud China for stepping up," the 80-year-old President said during his visit to Canada before immediately correcting himself and adding, "Excuse me, I applaud Canada... You can tell what I'm thinking - about China. I won't get into that yet."
He made the remarks while speaking about Canadian migration policies.
