Joe Biden’s remarks at Jesse Jackson’s funeral included an unexpected moment after the former president told the congregation he’s “a hell of a lot smarter than most of you”.
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Kamala Harris were among the prominent figures who attended the memorial service on Friday (March 6) to honor Jackson, who died last month at 84.
A longtime activist who made two presidential runs, Jackson became a leading figure in the civil rights movement following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968.
With Jackson’s impact widely recognized, Biden used his speech to reflect on the activist’s influence. But his tribute briefly veered into surprising territory when he brought up his own experience living with a stutter.
“When I was a kid, I was a relatively good athlete, and a pretty good student, but I stuttered,” Biden said.
“Now, if I told you all earlier, when I was a kid, I had a cleft palate or club foot, none of you would have laughed, but it’s okay to laugh at stuttering. I’m not being critical of you, but think about it. It’s the one place where people think you’re stupid. Oh, really?”
The comment escalated further as he continued: “I’m hell of lot smarter than most of you. Well, all kidding aside, it makes you feel really small, makes you feel really small.”
From there, Biden returned to honoring Jackson, portraying him as someone who was resolute and unwilling to back down.
He continued: “I know him as underrated, undeterred and unafraid, not a joke.
“And more than most, Jesse was dedicated with every fiber in his being, to redeeming the soul of America. The soul of America.
“Sometimes we went toe to toe. We disagreed on some issues, but that’s what I actually admired most about Jesse, his passion. He was passionate. His passion, the courage of his convictions.”
Later in his remarks, Biden also referenced the political moment, arguing that Jackson’s presence had shaped the country’s direction and stressing that the current period was difficult.
Continuing his remarks while also discussing the Trump administration, Biden added: “I don’t think things would have been the same had Jesse not been around, because Jesse decided that his life was ensuring that we never fully walk away from it either.
“Because there’s bad times like now. We’re in a tough spot, folks, we’ve got an administration that doesn’t share any of the values that we have. I don’t think I’m exaggerating a little bit.”
Obama, who also delivered an address at the funeral, likewise used his speech to criticize the current administration.