Biden tweeted, “A cup of coffee never tasted better.” He said in his video, “I like my video black.”
The tweet linked to his official campaign website selling the mug for $22 with the description, “Dark Brandon, dark roast. Tea drinkers welcome. The purchase is a donation to Biden Victory Fund. AMERICAN MADE I UNION PRINTED,” Fox News reported on Friday, August 4, 2023.
The video has been met with a barrage of criticism from political opponents, while his supporters have praised the mug and the fact that Biden was continuing to lean into the Dark Brandon persona, the President’s detractors slammed him for the advert.
“Congratulations. In eight seconds flat you turned ‘cup of joe’ from a cute bit of 20th Century slang into the stuff of nightmares,” PJMedia’s Stephen Green said.
Florida’s Voice News CEO Brendon Leslie said, “I bet this 5-second promo took at least 100 takes to do.”
“The ‘great unifier’ is back with a Dark Brandon flex just hours after indicting his main political rival AGAIN. When tyrants speak, BELIEVE THEM,” Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas.
“You pick up the mug. You pretend to take a sip. You put the mug back down. You say, ‘I like my coffee dark.’ You then go to Delaware for 10 days. You are to answer no questions whatsoever,” Doug Powers from Twitchy said.
Critics also pointed out that such a move might be perceived as a distraction tactic to divert attention away from pressing issues that have yet to be adequately addressed by the administration. They urged the President to be more transparent and accountable for his actions and decisions, rather than relying on social media campaigns to sway public opinion.
As the video continues to circulate on social media and news outlets, it remains to be seen how the President’s campaign will respond to the criticism and whether it will have any lasting impact on his reelection prospects. In an increasingly polarized political climate, every action and statement made by public figures can be scrutinized and weaponized by opponents, making it challenging for politicians to strike a balance between showcasing their personality and addressing substantial policy matters.
In the coming weeks and months, President Biden’s campaign will likely need to recalibrate its messaging strategy to address the concerns raised by critics effectively. As the 2024 election season looms closer, both sides of the political spectrum will undoubtedly intensify their efforts to sway public opinion, making it imperative for the President’s team to strike a delicate balance between portraying him as a relatable figure and addressing the urgent needs of the American people.
