Former President Joe Biden faced criticism for using the term “colored kids” in his first public address since leaving office, as he discussed his motivations for entering politics.
During a speech at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, April 15, the 82-year-old former president reflected on his experiences with segregation in Delaware during his childhood.
Biden shared his family’s move from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Wilmington, Delaware, and noted that before relocating, he had “never seen hardly any black people.” He recalled his mother driving him to Catholic school in Wilmington when he was in fourth grade.
“I remember seeing kids going by, at the time called ‘colored kids,’ on a bus go by — they never turned right to go to Claymont High School,” Biden stated during his speech.
The former president explained that witnessing the exclusion of black children from public schools with white students ignited his sense of injustice and motivated his political career. While the term he used was common in the past, it is now seen as offensive and outdated, tied to a period of racial segregation in American history.
The 30-minute speech primarily addressed the defense of Social Security, which Biden described as more than just a government initiative.
In his remarks, Biden criticized the current administration’s stance on Social Security. Without naming President Donald Trump, he accused congressional Republicans of aiming to “cut and gut” the program that benefits approximately 73 million retired Americans. Biden expressed his disapproval, questioning, “Who the hell do they think they are?” before adding, “I will not go further. I’ll get in trouble.”
The former president specifically criticized the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, suggesting they have significantly harmed the Social Security Administration. Biden highlighted issues affecting beneficiaries, such as website failures, delayed checks, staff reductions, and more rigorous identity verification processes that have posed challenges for many Americans.
Biden also addressed allegations of fraud in the Social Security system made by President Trump and Musk. He joked about alleged beneficiaries living for centuries, remarking that he would like to meet these 300-year-old recipients and discover their longevity secrets.
Technical difficulties arose at the beginning of the speech. As Biden took the podium, a Bruce Springsteen song—his introduction music—continued to play loudly, overshadowing his opening words. The former president proceeded to speak despite the music, causing confusion among attendees trying to hear his initial comments.
At the end of his speech, Biden appeared momentarily uncertain about how to leave the stage. Cameras captured him standing at the podium, looking to both ends of the stage before locating the stairs, pointing at them, and exiting.
During the ACRD conference, Biden received an award for his achievements as president, including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. This event marked a rare public appearance for Biden, who has maintained a low profile since leaving office in January.
The White House responded to Biden’s criticisms by labeling his claims about Social Security cuts as “an all-out lie.” Administration officials cited President Trump’s campaign promise not to alter Social Security benefits, contrasting with Biden’s portrayal of their policies.
Some commentators pointed out that Biden’s verbal misstep regarding “colored kids” likely reminded many Democrats why he decided not to run for reelection in 2024, paving the way for a younger candidate to secure the Democratic nomination. The former president’s tendency for gaffes had been a persistent concern throughout his political career and presidency.
Biden’s speech indicates a potential return to a more active public role after months of relative seclusion. Sources close to the former president suggest he is focusing on family connections and planning a foundation to defend his presidential legacy.
