(Crankers) President Joe Biden was in Africa meeting the Angolan President João Lourenço. Joe is the first president to visit Angola – and likely his last trip to Africa as a president. Biden was promoting billions in commitments to Angola, but that wasn’t the highlight of the trip according to social media commentary.
Biden was walking with Lourenço when he almost tripped on a step. Lourenço grabbed Joe Biden by the arm to stop him from taking a tumble and let him know the step was there. When Lourenço held his hand out for a shake, Biden was staring off into the distance and didn’t see the hand there for a second. Then Biden noticed Lourenço’s hand and gladly engaged in a shake.
In another moment during the trip, a reporter had asked why Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden. Joe started the reply with “welcome to America” even though he was in Africa. And to be fair, there’s no point to ask a father why they pardoned their son. It’s his son. Joe was always going to pardon him, no matter what he might have said before.
Watch the video of Joe Biden almost take a tumble in Africa:
Why was Joe Biden in Angola? A report on MSN/AP said the following:
“The United States is all in on Africa,” Biden told Angolan President João Lourenço, who called Biden’s visit a key turning point in U.S.-Angola relations dating back to the Cold War.
But even as the trip was meant to counter China’s influence on the African continent of over 1.4 billion people by showcasing a U.S. commitment of $3 billion for the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment linking Zambia, Congo and Angola, China announced its own move.
10 Comments
It’s kinda heartwarming to see President Biden getting help from Lourenço like that. Shows a bit of human side amidst all the political stuff we see everyday.
Did anyone catch what kind of tech investments Biden is promoting in Angola? I’m curious how it might impact Africa’s digital landscape.
I read somewhere it’s mostly infrastructure and energy projects. Tech might just be a part of it, but definitely a step forward for Angola!
Ah yes, nearly tripping is the international sign of diplomacy now. Glad our prez is leading the charge on that front.
Interesting to see a U.S. president visiting Angola. Historically, we haven’t had much interaction with them. This could be a significant diplomatic move.
I love seeing moments like these where you get a real sense of camaraderie between leaders. It’s refreshing!
Biden’s ‘Welcome to America’ comment in Africa had me rolling. Classic Joe!
Honestly, you can’t script this stuff. Politics aside, these moments are comedic gold.
Regarding the mistaken ‘pardon’ comment towards Biden’s son Hunter, it’s important to clarify that presidential pardons are a complex process, not merely a familial decision as implied. Also, Biden’s visit to Angola reflects a broader strategic interest in Africa, not just personal agendas.
Frank, thanks for the article. It’s really something to see Biden making moves in Angola. These little interactions are what humanize our leaders. Got a chuckle out of the handshake mishap!