Former President Joe Biden has sparked controversy in his first major post-presidency speech, using the term “colored kids.” The former president’s linguistic misstep has reignited concerns about his public appearances and communication abilities, especially after keeping a relatively low profile since leaving office. What political impact might Biden’s racial terminology have on Democratic messaging moving forward?
Biden’s Controversial Racial Language
Former President Joe Biden’s first major speech since leaving office has drawn significant backlash for his use of outdated racial terminology. While speaking at the ACRD conference in Chicago, Biden recalled moving from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Wilmington, Delaware, where he first encountered racial segregation.
“I’d never seen… hardly any black people in Scranton at the time, and I was only going to fourth grade. And I remember seeing the kids going by at the time, called colored kids, on a bus going by,” Biden stated during his remarks. This terminology, widely considered offensive in modern discourse, has reignited debates about Biden’s history of racially insensitive comments throughout his political career.
🚨 Joe Biden is spending his first speech since leaving office saying he didn’t have to grow up around black people
“I remember watching a bus go by… it was full of colored kids… I had never seen those.”
The face of the Democrat party 🤣🤡 pic.twitter.com/4keCWCep8O
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 15, 2025
Social Security Focus and Republican Criticism
Despite the controversy over his racial language, the majority of Biden’s speech centered on defending Social Security as a fundamental American commitment. He described the program as “more than a government program” but rather “a sacred promise we made as a nation,” emphasizing its importance to millions of Americans.
Biden criticized the current administration’s approach to Social Security without directly naming President Trump. “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking,” Biden claimed, suggesting Republicans aim to deliver tax cuts to billionaires and corporations while undermining middle-class benefits.
Biden should have never came out of hiding….
“I remember watching a bus go by… it was full of colored kids… I had never seen those.”
pic.twitter.com/zVN17q3xp1— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 15, 2025
Post-Presidency Profile and Future Plans
The former president has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving office, spending most of his time in Delaware. Biden’s appearance at the ACRD conference marks his most significant public speech since departing the White House, although he has made other less publicized remarks.
Reports indicate Biden’s post-presidency focus includes reconnecting with family and considering establishing a foundation to defend his political legacy. Some Democrats have criticized Biden for staying in the 2024 presidential race too long, potentially aiding President Trump’s return to office.
The speech concluded awkwardly with Biden looking around the stage before locating the stairs to exit. This moment, combined with the speech’s uncomfortable beginning where Biden spoke over loud introduction music, has fueled ongoing questions about the former president’s public speaking abilities and future role in political discourse.