Former President Joe Biden used the term “colored kids” in his first public address since leaving office, explaining his motivations for entering politics.
On Tuesday, April 15, Biden spoke at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago, Illinois. The 82-year-old former president shared memories of his childhood in Delaware, where he witnessed segregation.
Biden recounted moving from Scranton, Pennsylvania to Wilmington, Delaware, and noted that he had “never seen hardly any black people” before relocating. He recalled his mother driving him to a Catholic school in Wilmington when he was in the fourth grade.
“I remember seeing kids going by, at the time called ‘colored kids,’ on a bus go by — they never turned right to go to Claymont High School,” Biden said during his remarks.
He explained that learning about the segregation and exclusion of black children from white public schools fueled his sense of injustice and led him to pursue a political career. While the term used was common in the past, it is now considered offensive and outdated.
The 30-minute speech primarily focused on defending Social Security, which Biden described as more than just a government program.
Biden criticized the current administration’s handling of Social Security. Without naming President Donald Trump, he accused Republicans of planning to “cut and gut” the program that serves about 73 million retired Americans. Biden expressed his frustration, saying, “Who the hell do they think they are?” He then paused, adding, “I will not go further. I’ll get in trouble.”
He specifically criticized the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, for allegedly damaging the Social Security Administration. Biden cited issues like website failures, delayed checks, staff reductions, and stricter identity verification processes affecting beneficiaries.
Biden also addressed claims of fraud in the Social Security system made by President Trump and Musk. He jokingly mentioned supposed beneficiaries living for centuries, saying he wished to meet these 300-year-old recipients to learn their secrets.
Biden’s speech faced technical difficulties from the start, as a Bruce Springsteen track continued playing loudly as he began speaking, causing confusion for attendees.
At the end of his speech, Biden appeared briefly uncertain about how to exit the stage, looking around before spotting the stairs and making his exit.
During the ACRD conference, Biden received an award for his achievements as president, including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a rare public appearance for Biden, who has kept a low profile since leaving office in January.
The White House responded to Biden’s Social Security criticisms, calling them “an all-out lie.” Officials cited President Trump’s campaign promise not to alter Social Security benefits, contrasting with Biden’s statements.
Some commentators noted that Biden’s use of the term “colored kids” may serve as a reminder to Democrats of his decision not to seek reelection in 2024 in favor of a younger candidate. Biden’s tendency for verbal errors had been a concern throughout his political career.
Biden’s speech suggests a potential return to a more active public role after months of relative seclusion. Sources close to him indicate he is focusing on family and planning a foundation to protect his presidential legacy.
