Former President Joe Biden’s return to his alma mater for a formal portrait unveiling was overshadowed by an impromptu exchange in which he compared a high-ranking university official to former President Barack Obama.
The incident occurred at Syracuse University during a private ceremony held in the Law Library Reading Room. Biden, a Syracuse College of Law alumnus, was present to celebrate the installation of a new oil-on-canvas portrait by artist Michael Shane Neal.
Following a tribute by Jeffrey M. Scruggs, the Chairman of the Syracuse Board of Trustees, Biden took the podium and immediately addressed Scruggs’ appearance.
“I always want to turn around to one guy and say… ‘Barack what are you doing?’” Biden told the audience. He then directed Scruggs to return to the stage, repeating the command “Come here” six times in quick succession.
Once Scruggs—who is Black—rejoined him on stage, Biden asked the crowd, “Doesn’t he look like Barack!?”
Witnesses noted that while Scruggs smiled and shook his head, he appeared to take the comparison in stride despite the unexpected nature of the remark. Biden concluded the interaction by telling Scruggs, “As they say, you done good, fella,” before the two shook hands.
Video of the encounter quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from political commentators and activists. Critics, particularly from conservative circles, characterized the remark as awkward and indicative of a lack of professional filter.
Prominent social media figures argued the comment leaned into “all look alike” tropes, suggesting that if a Republican had made a similar comparison, it would have been met with widespread condemnation from mainstream media outlets.
Conversely, some observers defended the former president’s observation, arguing that Scruggs shares genuine physical similarities with Obama, specifically citing his face shape and professional attire.
Despite the controversy, the portrait remains a permanent fixture of the Law Library. It serves as a tribute to Biden’s tenure as the 46th President of the United States and his long-standing connection to the university.
Syracuse University officials have not released a formal statement regarding the specific onstage remarks, focusing instead on the historical significance of the portrait’s inclusion in the law school’s collection.
