(Scypre.com) – President Biden sparked confusion at a Connecticut summit on gun control reform with his closing remarks, which contained a phrase associated with a country from which the United States had gained independence. Concluding his speech at the National Safer Communities Summit in West Hartford, Biden mentioned the possibility of an approaching storm, apologizing in advance for not being able to shake hands with all attendees.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, he recalled a previous encounter when a student questioned his performance in the 2020 Iowa caucuses, using the line, “Is that the truth? Now, do not make a lie – as that scene in the John Wayne movie – don’t make me a dog-faced, lying, pony-soldier.” This time, he used the phrase to refer to the reported incoming storm.
Biden assured the audience that he would stand in front of each section and emphasized the insignificance of the camera’s presence for the attendees. However, to the confusion of onlookers, he concluded by saying, “All right. God Save the Queen, man,” before searching for the exit route.
Observing that President Biden’s comment was incongruous with the context, it is worth noting that Connecticut was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence from Britain in 1776. The state, known as the ‘Constitution State,’ ratified the founding document 235 years ago, making it the fifth state to do so. Biden’s home state of Delaware was the first.
The phrase “God Save the Queen” is also the title of a song by the Sex Pistols.
The White House pool report for the day, which provides a detailed account of the president’s public schedule, expressed puzzlement at Biden’s remark. The report, assigned to Dallas Morning News’ White House correspondent Todd Gillman, stated that Biden’s final utterance at the gun summit, “God save the queen, man,” left many viewers wondering about its meaning. Gillman and other pool reporters were unable to offer any explanation.
Outside the press pool, Biden’s closing remark drew attention and criticism, particularly regarding his cognitive abilities:
“Drunk people often say something completely unrelated like ‘God save the Queen’ and then try to act sober, just like Joe Biden did, as if nothing happened. He’s clearly incapacitated,” tweeted political strategist Evan Berryhill.
Greg Price from the State Freedom Caucus Network made a sarcastic comment, saying, “His dementia is so severe that he now believes he’s British.”
In May 2022, numerous Republican lawmakers called for Biden to take a cognitive test or withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Led by Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, who previously served as the White House physician for Presidents Obama and Trump, 61 lawmakers expressed concerns about Biden’s “current cognitive state and ability.”
The Republicans’ letter emphasized the importance of documenting and demonstrating sound mental capabilities for all presidents, regardless of gender, age, or political affiliation. They cited Biden’s previous physical examination, in which his White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, described him as a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, including those as Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.”