President Biden introduced White House senior advisor Cedric Richmond as a “boy” at Monday’s briefing on Hurricane Ida.
Biden met virtually with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D), Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell to discuss how the government would aid Louisiana in Ida’s aftermath.
“I know you’re busy as the devil. I know you’ve got a lot to manage in your states,” Biden said from the White House. “We know Hurricane Ida had the potential to cause massive, massive damage and that’s exactly what we saw.”
He explained that over 5,000 National Guard members were activated and FEMA was providing millions of meals and water bottles to support displaced locals.
It wasn’t until Biden introduced Richmond that he made an inexcusable gaffe. “I’m here with — with my senior adviser and boy who knows Louisiana very, very well — man — and — and New Orleans, Cedric Richmond,” he bumbled.
“While FEMA is our lead for on the ground response, if there’s something you need, needs my attention, Cedric is your direct line … whatever you need, go to Cedric we’ll get you what you need if we can,” Biden remarked.
His use of the term that historically has been used as derogatory towards Black people was pounced on by critics.
“Not only does Biden not sound great here, but also called Cedric Richmond “boy,” something the left would lose it if he were a Republican,” tweeted NewsBusters’ Curtis Houck.
Not only does Biden not sound great here, but also called Cedric Richmond "boy," something the left would lose it if he were a Republican: "I'm here with — with my senior adviser and boy who knows Louisiana very, very well — man — and — and New Orleans, Cedric Richmond." pic.twitter.com/T11qNAGJhu
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) August 30, 2021
Florida congressional candidate Lavern Spicer called Biden a “sick, racist man,” while GOP national spokesperson Paris Dennard said that former president Trump would never have introduced an advisor in such a derogatory manner.
“Cedric Richmond is a 47-year-old man. While Ja’Ron Smith was 38 years old when he was in a similar role for President Trump I can assure he was not called a “boy” by President Trump,” Dennard wrote. “Joe Biden just continues to insult Black men openly and in public because he doesn’t care.”