Joe Biden’s historic address to America from the Oval Office — and his defiant body language — implies he’s still… not accepting that he should resign.
Body language expert Judi James said the president’s finger-pointing speech last night was an attempt to show his “defiance” to the tens of millions of viewers in the US and around the world.
But his staring eyes showed he was “frightened, tormented and in a state of disbelief” – and his frequent teeth grinding betrayed anger and an “unwillingness to give up”.
And while Biden refused to discuss his own health, his speech also laid bare how much it has failed over the past year, with increasing mumbling and a lack of clarity.
“His diction has eroded, even since his last few appearances. Biden’s clearest moments have previously been when he was reading from an autocue, but that clarity is sadly lacking here,” Ms. James said.
Joe Biden’s expression showed a deep reluctance to give up his re-election bid, body language expert Judi James revealed
Ms. James showed only her finger during her speech in the Oval Office to show her anger and defiance
But there were certain signs that he felt uncomfortable when he was avoiding talking about his own health
Joe moved his fingers while supporting Kamala Harris
And he pointed the camera down as he tried to keep Democrats united
There were signs of confidence, but he did stumble over the speech
In his speech, Biden outlined his reasons for withdrawing from the 2024-cHe argued that he could get another four years if he wanted.
He said he chose to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris because he believed it would unite the country and save democracy.
“I believe that my record as president, my leadership in the world and my vision for America’s future all justify a second term,” he said in a prime-time address from the Oval Office.
“But nothing, nothing, can stand in our way of saving our democracy, including personal ambition, so I decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. There is a time and a place for years of experience in public life. There is also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices,” he said.
Judi James has studied the speech and given her verdict on what his body language really says about his health and state of mind.
She said: ‘Joe Biden’s use of authority and his rituals and gestures of control suggest a deep sense of reluctance to give up. Silencing his words and non-verbal expressions here would be consistent with a more defiant message, as if he were still clinging to his role as leader.
‘His eye expression at the beginning reveals the depth of his inner emotions about being pressured to leave. His eyes are round and look fearful, tormented and in a state of disbelief, with the right eyebrow raised in shock or surprise while the left is pulled down in a frown. His mouth is closed in a horizontal slit and he appears to be clenching his teeth when they are just visible.’
Ashley Biden hugs father Joe Biden as Finnegan Biden wipes away tears
Hunter Biden gives his father a hug
From right: Jill Biden, Ashley Biden and her husband Howard Krein, and Hunter Biden and his daughter Finnegan listen to Joe Biden speak
President Joe Biden muttered during his 11-minute farewell address to the nation that he could have served four more years if he had wanted to.
But Ms James said: ‘There is one gesture which seems to suggest that he is inwardly realising the truth of his situation as he says “To tell you the truth” and his left hand comes down to smooth or caress his front torso and his chest rises as if bracing himself for his difficult message. There is a pause to suggest that he is about to speak personally about any health problems.
‘But there is a twist here. He sidesteps any reference to his health and talks about age and a “new generation.” He reinforces this twist by placing his left hand across his desk in a display of status and confidence, while holding his right hand as a sign of attraction.’
Biden did not respond to questions about his own age, health and mental acuity, issues that have plagued his presidency from the beginning.
Judi James said: ‘It appears his verbal and non-verbal messages are designed to make him sound and appear like the one who has the power and makes the decisions.
‘His “I must unite my party” is delivered with a point of authority to the camera, his eyebrows raised to suggest a bit of suppressed anger. The jabbing finger is repeated as he says “Nothing…nothing” in a verbal repetition to make himself sound determined.
‘At one point he puts his hands flat on the desk to indicate that he wants to keep control of the situation and create calm, where he is in charge and has the authority.
‘At one point he slams his index finger on the desk, suggesting an inner urge to fight. And his gestures seem to suggest that he has not yet accepted in his heart the idea of resigning, though he folds his fingers into a friendlier-looking clasp when he talks about the November election.’
President Biden addresses staff in the Rose Garden after his speech in the Oval Office
White House staff gathered in the Rose Garden to cheer on the president after his speech
President Biden’s family and loyal staff wept as he addressed the nation about his decision to withdraw from the 2024 campaign.
He was surrounded by his loved ones and those who helped him build his political career as he spoke from the Oval Office. They applauded as he finished his 11-minute speech, but also wiped away tears.
First lady Jill Biden, his wife of 47 years, was the first to stand beside him after he finished. She joined him at the Resolute Desk, followed by son Hunter, who gave his father a hug. Hunter’s daughter, Finnegan, and the Bidens’ daughter, Ashley, also embraced the president, with Finnegan wiping away tears as she turned away from her grandfather.
Ashley’s husband Howard Krein was also in attendance, as were other Biden grandchildren, including Naomi Biden Neal and her husband Peter Neal, young Hunter Biden (the son of the late Beau Biden), and Maisy Biden.
Among the staffers present were Mike Donilon, Biden’s longtime adviser who has been there since the beginning of his political career; press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre; and Biden’s deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini.
“This was the honor of my life,” the president told them.
The crew then went to the Rose Garden to join other staff members in serving ice cream, the president’s favorite treat.
“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher,” one of Biden’s campaign songs, was played.
One thing he didn’t address was his own health. Biden, 81, had just recovered from a bout of COVID, but it was his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, in which he fumbled for words and at times stared blankly, that led several Democrats to call for him to drop out of the presidential race.
Biden stumbled a bit in his delivery, mumbling at times and speaking softly. But he used the speech to outline his legacy, explain his reasons for dropping out of the presidential race and note that he has more work to do in his six months in office.
He said he respected the office, but that he loved his country more.
“I respect this office, but I love my country even more,” the president said.
“It is an honor for me to serve as your president, but the defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important to me than a title.”
Biden made it clear that he was stepping down voluntarily, a stark contrast to his predecessor. He did not mention Donald Trump by name, but his meaning was clear when he said that the country is more important than the Oval Office.
