President Biden has a history of attempting to tie himself to a variety of ethnic groups and cultures. He has claimed to have a close relationship with the Greek American community in Delaware, attributing his early political success to their support. During a Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House, Biden mentioned his nickname “Biden-opoulos” which he acquired during his 1972 Senate campaign. This is not the first time Biden has tried to relate himself to different ethnicities and communities. In the past, he has made similar claims about being raised by the Puerto Rican community and coming out of a Black community to appeal to voters from these backgrounds.
Biden’s attempts to connect with various ethnic groups have extended to the Jewish community as well. During a reception to celebrate the Jewish New Year, he told Jewish Americans that he “went to shul” more than them, using the Yiddish word for synagogue. Despite being a practicing Catholic, Biden claimed to attend services on both Saturday and Sunday. In addition, he has tried to make inroads with Black voters by emphasizing his support within the community. While responding to criticism over his remarks, Biden clarified that he is not claiming to be Black but has spent his career working with the Black community.
Biden has also tried to connect with Italian and Polish communities by highlighting his Irish ancestry and Catholic religion. He mentioned growing up in a heavily Irish Catholic community in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as well as a heavily Italian Polish community in Claymont, Delaware. During a virtual meeting with Ireland’s taoiseach in 2021, Biden spoke about his connection to Ireland, stating that “We Irish are the only people who are nostalgic for the future.” Overall, Biden’s efforts to associate himself with various ethnic groups and communities suggest a strategy to appeal to a diverse voter base.
Despite criticism over his attempts to link himself to different ethnicities, Biden’s statements have been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned the authenticity of his claims and accused him of trying to pander to different groups for political purposes. The president has been known to stretch facts about his background, as acknowledged by a Washington Post reporter. However, Biden continues to make these assertions and has faced backlash for some of his comments, particularly those related to Black voters. Despite this, Biden’s efforts to connect with various ethnic groups illustrate a broader strategy to appeal to a diverse range of voters and foster a sense of inclusivity and representation within his administration.
In light of the upcoming presidential election in 2024, Biden’s efforts to align himself with various ethnic groups may be a strategic move to broaden his support base and appeal to a wider range of voters. By emphasizing his connections to different communities, Biden seeks to highlight his inclusivity and commitment to diversity. While some have criticized his attempts to relate to different ethnicities, others see it as a way to acknowledge and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of America. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Biden’s association with various ethnic groups will impact his campaign and influence voter perceptions of his candidacy.
