Joe Biden didn’t let Rep. Jimmy Gomez leave the room just because his six-month-old got fussy during the President’s speech marking the 13th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
Following his comments Thursday, Biden reassured the California Democrat’s baby — they huddled as photographers snapped pictures.
Baby Hodge began crying during Biden’s speech, prompting Rep. Gomez, 48, to get out of his chair and leave the room. But Biden called lawmakers with a baby strapped to his chest.
“It’s okay, we like babies – you don’t have to worry about that. It’s fine, it’s fine,” the president assured.
“Actually, I like babies better than people,” he added to the laughter of the friendly crowd gathered at the White House on Thursday afternoon.
President Joe Biden stopped Rep. Jimmy Gomez from taking his picky baby out of the room during his speech Thursday
Rep. Gomez, 48, brought his six-month-old Hodge to Biden’s remarks celebrating the 13th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act
“It’s okay, we like babies – you don’t have to worry about that. It’s fine, it’s fine,” the president assured as Gomez went to get his crying child from the room. “Actually, I like babies better than people”
Traditionally, presidential candidates shake hands with babies and kiss them on the head when running for office. Thursday’s interaction prompted some in the room to joke that it’s a sign Biden is running for re-election in 2024 — though he hasn’t announced an offer yet.
The event marked the 13th anniversary of former President Barack Obama’s passage of his most important achievement – the Affordable Care Act.
Before he flew to Canada on Thursday for his first official visit to America’s northern neighbor, Biden helped celebrate the bill he helped draft as vice president.
Gomez’s six-month-old Hodge was one of the participants in Biden’s remarks.
The little guy has become quite a celebrity on Capitol Hill and in Washington, DC when Rep. Gomez takes Hodge, named after Gomez’s wife’s last name, to work and other events.
“Thirteen years ago today, we gathered in this room when President Obama signed the Affordable Healthcare Act into law. Hard to believe: 13 days ago – 13 years ago. Seems like 13 days ago,” Biden quickly corrected his flub to the giggles of the crowd.
The ACA became known as Obamacare – a namesake for the president who spearheaded the effort.
After his remarks, Biden took Gomez’s son from his hands for a few moments – holding him and making faces at the baby
Rep. Nancy Pelosi also had a face-to-face meeting with Gomez’s son at the ACA White House event on Thursday, March 23, 2023
Gomez watches as Pelosi and others pull out their phones to record the president’s connection with the California Democrat’s infant son
Biden has taken a few slaps at Republicans, careful to distinguish between those he considers “normal” and “good” and ultra-MAGA pro-Trump Republicans, whom he considers “bad.”
“Guys, our MAGA Republican friends — and by the way, I want to be clear: there are some good, decent Republicans out there, I’m not suggesting this is all about bad Republicans. But this new audience — this isn’t your father’s Republican Party,” the president said.
He was referring to Republicans who have tried to overturn the ACA, not all of whom are pro-Trump.
Biden said another example of “bad” Republicans are those who opposed his anti-inflation bill, which was a broad economic law that also targeted social issues like promoting green energy.
The law was relevant to Thursday’s event as it also lowered prescription drug prices to provide relief to Americans who have been hit hard by rising inflation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last year I proposed and Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which no Republicans voted for — not even the good ones,” Biden lamented. “I don’t mean good in the moral sense — I mean regular Republicans.”