Prolonged Pause Draws Concern
As the festivities continued, President Biden’s unexpected stillness during the concert raised concerns among attendees.
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The President stood motionless, starkly contrasting with the dynamic event around him. This pause in his demeanor came just before he was scheduled to address the gathered audience.
Intervention by Philonise Floyd
Philonise Floyd, brother of the late George Floyd, stood next to President Biden and noticed the extended pause.
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In a gesture of support, Floyd wrapped his arm around the President, which seemed to be an attempt to provide reassurance during the unexpected moment.
Challenges During Speech Delivery
Following the musical performance, President Biden commenced his speech, which was marred by slurred and difficult-to-understand passages.
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He struggled with his words, saying, “She knows loss.. she know.. (incoherent) our freedom can never be secured.”
Online Backlash
The speech was met with strong reactions online.
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With many commenters noting that it was “rambling and incoherent.”
A Strong Message Amidst Difficulty
Despite the speech difficulties, President Biden managed to articulate a call to action, emphasizing the significance of continued efforts for justice and equality.
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“The day reminds us that we have a helluva lot more work to do. Let’s keep marching. Let’s keep the faith,” he urged the audience.
President's Presence Throughout the Evening
President Biden was visibly present in the front row for the majority of the Juneteenth concert, engaging with the performances from a seated position.
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While many in the audience stood and danced enthusiastically for two hours, the President remained seated, enjoying the music and atmosphere of the event in a more reserved manner.
Celebrating with Musical Legends
The Juneteenth event at the White House featured performances from renowned artists such as Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Doug E. Fresh, and Kirk Franklin.
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Their presence added a celebratory tone to the event, highlighting the cultural significance of the occasion.
Educational Interludes by Roy Wood Jr.
The event was hosted by actor Roy Wood Jr., who took opportunities between musical sets to commend President Biden and Vice President Harris for their efforts in the black community.
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He also provided the audience with brief lessons on African American history.
Harris Emphasizes Action on Juneteenth
Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage to highlight the importance of Juneteenth as a day of action, particularly in the context of voting rights.
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This message was particularly poignant given the upcoming November election.
Significance of Juneteenth Highlighted by Biden
In his address, President Biden reflected on the historical importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in 1865.
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He stressed this in the context of the federal holiday he signed into law in 2021.
Biden’s Warning on Political Challenges
During his speech, President Biden issued a warning about political adversaries attempting to undermine civil liberties, telling his audience that “old ghosts” in new outfits were afoot, trying to restrict freedoms and impede voting rights.
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This illustrated his concern about ongoing challenges in protecting democratic processes.