On Monday evening, President Biden expressed his admiration for Bill and Hillary Clinton after being unexpectedly called to give a speech in New York City. He was there to support his wife, Jill Biden, at the Clinton Global Initiative’s summit, and ended up accepting a Global Citizen award.
Biden, 81, was not initially slated to speak. After being introduced by his wife, he took the stage, joking, “This is what you call being trapped,” before expressing gratitude to the Clintons. He thanked Hillary Clinton personally for her public support, saying, “Hillary, I want to thank you — and I maybe shouldn’t do this publicly — but thank you personally for the way you have helped me, the way you’ve spoken up for me with such passion. I can’t tell you — you can ask Jill. Anyway, I love you.” Hillary mouthed back “thank you” as Bill Clinton put his arm around her.
Jill Biden clapped lightly as she watched her husband’s speech. Biden praised Bill Clinton for his “decency” and “incredible intellect.” The Clintons had supported Biden after his difficult June 27 debate against former President Donald Trump, with Hillary tweeting “I’ll be voting Biden” the following day.
President Biden thanks @HillaryClinton for being one of his biggest champions:
“Hillary — thank you personally for the way you have helped me, the way you’ve spoken up for me, with such passion…I can’t tell you — you can ask Jill. Anyway, I love you, I love you.” pic.twitter.com/TyGpK5ar4y
— Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) September 24, 2024
The former first couple stood by Biden when other party leaders urged him to step aside amid concerns about his mental acuity. This group included former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. On the day before Biden conceded to the pressure and withdrew from the Democratic nomination, CNN reported that the Clintons were encouraging donors to continue supporting Biden.
Biden, who was in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly meetings, was introduced on stage by Bill Clinton, who referred to his wife and Jill Biden as “the two doctors.” Hillary Clinton holds a law degree (JD), and Jill Biden earned a Doctor of Education degree in 2007 at age 55.
Jill Biden has taken a more prominent role as her husband prepares to retire. On Monday afternoon, she had four public engagements in New York, including a speech at the Clintons’ summit and remarks at events on gay and transgender rights and another hosted by USAID and UNICEF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did President Biden give a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative’s summit?
He was ‘trapped’ by his wife, Jill Biden, into giving the speech.
What did President Biden say to Hillary Clinton during his speech?
He thanked her for defending him in public and said, ‘I love you.’
How did the Clintons support Biden after the June 27 debate against Trump?
Hillary tweeted ‘I’ll be voting Biden,’ and they urged donors to support him.
What roles do Bill and Hillary Clinton have in relation to Biden’s speech?
Bill introduced Biden on stage, and Hillary mouthed ‘thank you’ to him.
What degrees do Hillary and Jill Biden have?
Hillary has a JD (law degree), and Jill has a Doctor of Education degree.
