Joe Biden on Post-Presidency Plans: ‘I’m Looking for a Job’ and ‘I Got Contacts’
By Jake Beardslee ·
August 14, 2024
President Joe Biden, in a lighthearted moment at the White House Creator Economy Conference, joked about his future employment prospects after leaving office, suggesting he might pursue a career in viral social media content creation.
"I'm looking for a job," the 81-year-old quipped to a room full of online influencers, adding, "What do you think when I retire? What do you think? I got contacts, man." The White House / Wikimedia
The president, known for being the subject of online memes, seemed to be embracing the digital world. Biden aimed to cultivate his own online persona during his term of office, with staff producing images of him as "Dark Brandon", a meme depicting him with aviator sunglasses and laser beams emanating from his eyes. Belbury / Wikimedia
During the event, the president asked whether the assembled White House press corps were the "real" or "fake press," a joke he quickly clarified, stating, "That was a joke. That was a joke." Matt H. Wade / Wikimedia
However, the lighthearted tone was punctuated by a tense moment when Biden abruptly dismissed a question from Raquel Krahenbuhl of Brazil's Globo News TV regarding Venezuela's contested elections.
"I'm not talking to you guys," Biden said, silencing the reporter with a "Shhh!" before adding, "I'm not going to answer your question, I'm talking to them first." The Biden White House / Wikimedia
Biden did engage seriously with one reporter's question on inflation, expressing optimism about new data indicating a slight decrease and reiterating his expectation for a "soft landing" in the economy. The White House / Wikimedia
He, however, chose not to address a question regarding recently revealed documents that suggest his son, Hunter, lobbied American officials on behalf of Ukrainian gas company Burisma/ Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK
This event comes amidst reports that Vice President Kamala Harris, who ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket after Biden's withdrawal from the presidential campaign, is seeking to establish a distinct agenda from the president. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
