'Creepy Joe' Trends on Twitter after Biden's Bizarre Behavior at Press Conference
Biden repeatedly leaned in and whispered to reporters
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Democrat Joe Biden's odd behavior during a Thursday press conference caused the phrase "Creepy Joe" to start trending on Twitter.
While speaking to the press at the White House on Thursday, Biden repeatedly leaned in and whispered to reporters.
Biden's bizarre behavior quickly drew bemused social media speculation and jokes about the “really creepy” exchanges.
During the impromptu presser, Biden hunched over his lectern in the White House East Room on three separate occasions and forcefully whispered to reporters.
The awkward delivery appeared to be a failed attempt to emphasize his points while discussing a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal.
The move only ended up serving as a distraction, however, with clips of the "creepy" behavior quickly going viral on Twitter.
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When asked about additional relief for families, Biden whispered toward PBS reporter Yamiche Alcindor: “I got them $1.9 trillion in relief so far.
"They’re going to be getting checks in the mail that are consequential this week for childcare.”
Later, when asked by CNN reporter Phil Mattingly about how the deal was brokered despite low expectations, Biden said in a normal speaking voice that he always thought the outlook was good.
“I’m not going to negotiate with the press when I’m negotiating privately with my colleagues,” Biden said.
"And these are very tough decisions.
"I don’t in any way dismiss what Sen. [Chris] Murphy [D-Conn.] says about the environment.
"I don’t dismiss it at all."
Then dropping to a chilling whisper and stooping his head as his eyes grew wide, Biden added: “I wrote the bill on the environment.
"Why would I not be for it?”
WATCH:
This is nuts pic.twitter.com/L592KeVXaZ
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) June 24, 2021
Biden then whispered again when raising on his own the issue of some workers preferring to collect enhanced COVID-19 unemployment benefits than return to low-wage jobs.
"Pay them more,” he whispered into the microphone.
"This is an employee’s — an employee’s bargaining chip now."
The bizarre presidential performance drew significant feedback.
“This is nuts,” wrote Republican strategist Matt Whitlock, who tweeted a compilation reel.
Abigail Marone, press secretary to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) tweeted, “The Biden lean in and long whisper into the mic was very very bizarre.”
Podcaster Chase Geiser captioned the clip: “BIDEN: Should I do the whisper thing? INTERN: Definitely.”
“Creepy Joe is really creepy,” added conservative activist Brigitte Gabriel.
One Twitter user wrote, “I’m on team Biden, but when he whispers an answer into the microphone, it’s creepy.”
Another person joked, “Joe Biden’s earpiece whispers and he whispers back.”
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Republican Governors Association Communication Director Jesse Hunt wrote, “Biden’s constant whisper may be weirder than Kamala’s constant laugh.”
Others wrote that they were without words.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s press secretary Doug Andres simply wrote, “i dont know how to react to that Biden whisper moment just now.”
"What did I just watch!?" former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany captioned a clip of the remarks.
Biden's behavior at press conferences has made headlines recently.
Last week, Biden came under fire for yelling at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins for asking about his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
