According to the Daily Mail, President Joe Biden, who dramatically dropped out of the presidential race on July 21 after pressure from top Democrats, joked about his future career prospects with the young social media stars.
At the gathering of around 100 Gen Z influencers, Biden quipped, "And that's why I invited you to the White House. Because I'm looking for a job." The 81-year-old former president went on to suggest that becoming a social media influencer might be in his future, noting the popularity of the field among young people.
Biden, who has often faced scrutiny over his age, peppered his remarks with self-deprecating jokes about retirement and his potential next career move. "You think - when I retire, where do you think I'm going?" he said, suggesting that a career in social media might be in his future.
The 81-year-old president made it clear that he sees influencers as a crucial part of modern communication, pointing out that even his grandchildren rely on them for news rather than traditional media.
The president praised the gathered influencers for their role in revolutionizing how information is disseminated. "The fact is that you are the future," Biden told them, adding that their work is changing the way society communicates. His remarks highlighted a generational shift in how people consume information, emphasizing the increasing importance of social media platforms over traditional news outlets.
Throughout the event, Biden made several references to his own age, at one point joking, "Now, I know I only look like I’m 40," and encouraging the audience to smile. The lighthearted tone persisted as he quipped, "And that's why I invited you to the White House, because I'm looking for a job."
Biden's engagement with the influencers was part of a broader effort to connect with younger voters, a demographic that played a significant role in his previous election victory. His comments on the power of social media and its impact on public opinion were particularly poignant, given the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping political discourse.
During the session, Biden also interacted with the White House press corps, who were present at the back of the room. He acknowledged them with a jest, asking the influencers, "Now, is that the real press or the fake press back there?" This remark was followed by a pointed request for more positive coverage of his administration's handling of the economy. "We're going to have a soft landing," he asserted when questioned about inflation, before urging the press to "start writing that way."
However, the president made it clear that his priority during the event was to engage with the influencers rather than the traditional media. When a reporter attempted to ask about the Venezuelan election, Biden curtly responded, "I'm not talking to you guys," and reiterated that his focus was on the influencers present.
The president's remarks were met with mixed reactions. While some saw his humor as a refreshing break from the often serious tone of politics, others viewed his comments as a sign of the challenges he faces in connecting with younger voters. Despite this, Biden remained steadfast in his praise for the influencers, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of communication.
Biden's repeated references to his potential retirement and future plans were delivered with a mix of humor and seriousness. "And there are more people who want to go into your business than any other these days," he said, acknowledging the growing interest in social media careers. His lighthearted approach to the topic of retirement, coupled with his acknowledgment of the challenges posed by age, painted a picture of a president keenly aware of the generational shifts taking place around him.
While Biden's comments about his future may have been delivered in jest, they also reflected the reality of a president facing the challenges of age and the pressures of modern politics. His willingness to engage with younger voices and his recognition of the power of social media suggest that he is acutely aware of the need to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.
In conclusion, President Joe Biden's address to Gen Z influencers at the White House was a mix of humor, reflection, and recognition of the shifting landscape of communication. His jokes about retirement, combined with his praise for the influencers, highlighted the generational divide in media consumption and the importance of adapting to new forms of communication.
