If Joe Biden was trying to undermine Kamala Harris’ run against Donald Trump, what would he do differently?
That’s what some Democrats are likely asking themselves after an unexpected moment where President Joe Biden donned a “Trump 2024” hat during a visit to a Pennsylvania fire department. The surprising scene came after his participation in a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville on Wednesday. The gesture, captured by onlookers.
Thanks for the support, Joe! pic.twitter.com/GeNDXWEHVi
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 11, 2024
After paying tribute to the 40 passengers of Flight 93 who heroically thwarted a terrorist attack 23 years ago, President Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, made his way to the local fire department. While there, a lighthearted exchange unfolded when Biden was offered a Trump 2024 hat by a Trump supporter. Smiling broadly, the president briefly wore the cap, a move that quickly became the talk of the day.
The White House swiftly addressed the unusual sight. Andrew Bates, the White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary, explained the moment on social media, stating that Biden’s action was a symbolic gesture meant to reflect the spirit of unity that defined the country in the aftermath of 9/11. “At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the country’s bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that,” Bates posted on X (formerly Twitter). “As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it,” Bates added.
At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the country’s bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that.
As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it. https://t.co/7VKZnkVMY7
— Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) September 11, 2024
The passengers of Flight 93 are remembered as heroes for their courageous actions on that fateful day. Their efforts prevented the hijackers from reaching their intended target in Washington, D.C.
The move came a month after Biden’s press secretary refused to let Kamala Harris distance herself from the unpopular president. In August, the White House said there was “no daylight” between Biden and his vice president, according to Fox News.
“There is no daylight between Kamala Harris and Joe Biden”
Kamala voters, we have some bad news for you: Harris is no different than Biden.
White House Press Sec KJP just emphasized that the Harris-Biden administration is perfectly “aligned.”
As Vice President, Kamala Harris… pic.twitter.com/j4RA3rYJzl
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) August 13, 2024
“[Harris is] going to lay out her vision. But again, they’ve been aligned, you know, they’ve been aligned for the last three and a half years. There’s not been any daylight,” Jean Pierre said.
