President Biden celebrated Star Wars Day by sharing a clip featuring a visit from Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill in the Oval Office. In the clip, Biden and Hamill exchanged well-known Star Wars greetings “May the 4th be with you” and “Always.” The video quickly gained popularity, garnering 4.8 million views within hours, however, it was met with criticism by some on social media who called the clip lame, with some comparing Biden to a dementia patient and a homeless drunk.
The video was posted just one day after Hamill made a surprise visit to the White House press room wearing a pair of aviator glasses gifted to him by Biden. Hamill shared that during his visit, Biden told him he could call him Joe, to which Hamill humorously replied by asking if he could call him “Joe-bi-Won Kenobi.” The actor praised Biden’s performance and voiced his support for both Biden and Israel amid protests and riots on college campuses opposing Biden’s support for Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip.
The backlash to the video highlights the ongoing challenges facing Biden as he seeks re-election in November. With a low average approval rating of 40.1%, Biden is facing widespread frustration over issues such as high inflation and illegal immigration. Despite this, Hamill’s visit and the Star Wars Day clip were an attempt to bring some levity to the situation, providing a brief moment of humor amidst the serious issues facing the administration.
The interaction between Biden and Hamill in the video shows the importance of pop culture in bridging gaps between politicians and the public. By including well-known Star Wars references in his clip, Biden was able to connect with a wider audience and provide a moment of shared enjoyment with viewers. While the clip may have faced criticism from some, it also achieved its goal of creating a light-hearted moment during a difficult time.
The presence of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait in the Oval Office during the video served as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the White House. The juxtaposition of a legendary Star Wars character with a former US President helped to create a sense of unity and continuity, highlighting the importance of respecting and honoring past leaders while also embracing popular culture and modern references.
Overall, the Star Wars Day clip featuring Biden and Hamill was a lighthearted moment that aimed to bring a smile to viewers’ faces. It showcased the ability of popular culture to transcend boundaries and create common ground between different individuals, even those in positions of power. While the video may have faced criticism from some, it ultimately succeeded in creating a brief moment of connection and enjoyment in the midst of challenging times.
