(LibertySons.org) – President Joe Biden is seeking to deepen the US’ diplomatic ties around the world ahead of the 2024 election. He held a state dinner, just the sixth of his presidency, in honor of Kenya’s president. Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the event.
On May 23, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted the state dinner on the South Lawn of the White House. The special guests were Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife, Rachel. Dozens of other influential Kenyans turned out for the 500-person dinner, too.
When the Biden administration originally released the guest list for the event, Obama’s name was not listed. However, Obama showed up at the reception in the Blue Room and then briefly appeared at the dinner. The former president’s father was born in Kenya. Obama visited the African nation in 2015 while he was wrapping up his second term in office.
The former president left before Biden gave a speech. During his remarks, the current president told his guests that the US has a “strong respect” for Kenya. “We share a strong respect for the history that connects us together,” he said.
Obama wasn’t the only big name to attend the event. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, “Reading Rainbow” actor LeVar Burton, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were also there. The Howard Gospel Choir and country singer Brad Paisley performed at the event.
According to reports, Biden and the first lady chose a mix of political operatives, supporters, family members, and others. There were also members of the current administration, including Attorney General Merrick Garland. The AG’s Department of Justice is currently prosecuting Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, for gun and tax charges.
Biden is currently trailing former President Donald Trump in the polls and losing support with the black community. Some pundits saw the event as a way for the president to also try make inroads with those voters.
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