On Sunday, President Joe Biden and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar met at the White House to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The two leaders used the occasion to highlight the strong friendship between Ireland and the United States, which has been thriving for centuries.
Biden, speaking from his own Irish heritage, began his remarks by highlighting the bond that connects millions of Irish Americans to their heritage. He also noted the deep relationship between the two nations, one that has been shaped by the past, strengthened by the present, and an inspiration for the future.
Biden is really slurring today (again) 😬 pic.twitter.com/VxJBMTTU9Z
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 17, 2024
As the two leaders celebrated the cultural ties between Ireland and the United States, they also discussed the current political landscape. In particular, they addressed the issue of Ukraine and its ongoing conflict with Russia. Biden praised Ireland for joining the United States in standing against Russia’s aggression and brutal war in Ukraine.
However, after finishing his remarks on the topic, Biden surprisingly asked the audience to clap. Some in the crowd laughed, while others obediently obliged. This came as a bit of a surprise, as it is not common for presidents to request applause during speeches. It can be seen as an attempt to create a more engaged audience, or perhaps it was simply a slip of the tongue.
BIDEN: “You can clap for that, please.” pic.twitter.com/lEAfK93m3j
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 17, 2024
Ireland holds a special place in both Biden and former President Barack Obama’s hearts, as they both have Irish ancestry. During his speech, Biden shared a personal anecdote, revealing that he and Obama’s ancestors left Ireland from the same port within one week of each other. This further emphasized the strong ties between the two countries.
Moving on from political matters, the two leaders also discussed the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States. Biden mentioned that Ireland is now one of the top ten investors in the U.S. economy, showcasing the mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.
BIDEN: “It was made able to touch, I was, it was made, and I was able to touch some of my own hands very bricks he made!” pic.twitter.com/Yk0ComAx21
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 17, 2024
St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration and merriment, and both Biden and Varadkar embraced this spirit during their meeting. Varadkar also took the opportunity to present Biden with a traditional bowl of shamrocks, a gesture that symbolizes the strong cultural connection between Ireland and the U.S.
As the event came to a close, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the close relationship between their countries. They also shared their hopes for continued cooperation on important issues such as climate change, human rights, and global security.
Yes — that way, Crooked Joe! pic.twitter.com/qjsyB4veU7
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 17, 2024
While Biden’s request for applause during his speech may have raised a few eyebrows, overall the meeting between the two leaders served as a reminder of the deep friendship and shared values between Ireland and the United States. As the country continues to navigate through challenging times, it is comforting to know that this bond remains strong.
