Behind Biden's "God Save the Queen" Comment: Innocent Slip or Inappropriate Remark

President Joe Biden recently left some in the audience confused when he concluded a speech on gun control in Connecticut with the phrase "God Save the Queen." The comment came just months after Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, leaving her son King Charles III to take the throne. This led many to wonder if Biden had accidentally used the wrong phrase and meant to say "God Save the King" instead. However, the White House later clarified that Biden was simply commenting to someone in the crowd when he uttered the iconic British words.

The incident occurred at the National Safer Communities Summit in West Hartford, where Biden gave an impassioned speech calling for new laws banning AR-15 semi-automatic rifles in the wake of recent mass shootings. After concluding his prepared remarks, the president told the attendees "God bless you all" and "God protect our troops." He then proceeded to work the rope line, shaking hands with audience members. It was at this moment that Biden was heard saying "God Save the Queen, man" before exiting the stage.

The phrase immediately caused confusion amongst those present and others who later saw video footage of the event. With Queen Elizabeth having passed away just three months prior, many questioned if Biden had accidentally used the former monarch's slogan instead of the current "God Save the King" now that her son Charles had ascended to the throne. Some criticized the president for the apparent mistake.

However, the White House was quick to offer an explanation, clarifying that Biden was simply responding directly to an individual in the crowd when he uttered the words. The statement explained that Biden had intended to shake hands with each section of the audience, but was unable to do a full rope line greeting due to poor weather conditions.

Debating Biden's Intent Behind the Comment

While the White House insists Biden was speaking directly to someone in the moment, not everyone is convinced it was an innocent mistake. Some believe a man of his experience should not have accidentally used the outdated phrase. They argue he should be well aware "God Save the Queen" is no longer appropriate to use in public remarks.

Critics see the comment as just the latest in a pattern of inappropriate remarks Biden has become known for, pointing to other controversies like telling a Detroit auto worker he was "full of shit" during a heated exchange. They believe the president should be far more conscious of choosing his words carefully, especially on the international stage.

However, others have come to Biden's defense, arguing the whole incident has been blown out of proportion. They point out phrases like "God Save the Queen" are often used colloquially, without literally meaning the prayer for the monarch. The comment was likely an off-the-cuff reaction to something an audience member had said to Biden directly.

Some analysts believe critics are making a mountain out of a molehill in an effort to turn even the most minor Biden gaffe into a major controversy. They argue presidents often accidentally say outdated phrases or use words they shouldn't have. However, thanks to today's highly polarized political climate, even the smallest verbal misstep gets seized upon and dissected endlessly.

Ultimately, intent matters most. Though the president may have used an outdated saying, there is no evidence he actually meant to invoke the late Queen Elizabeth II. It is likely just as the White House claimed - an innocuous remark made to an individual without considering the broader context. Nonetheless, in the future Biden would be wise to choose his unscripted words more carefully.