US President Joe Biden was caught on camera playfully biting babies during a Halloween party in the White House on Wednesday, as he greeted the children of staff, media reports. Biden has a history of what many consider to be bizarre interactions with children.
The president was handing out sweets to children during the celebration alongside First Lady Jill Biden, who was dressed in a full-body panda suit. It was Biden’s last Halloween at the White House, as Americans head to the polls in less than a week to elect a new president.
The 81-year-old commander-in-chief’s awkward interactions with children during the event have gone viral as he played with babies dressed in Halloween costumes.
Biden was photographed biting at least two babies at the party, where around 8,000 people were invited.
In footage published online, Biden is seen biting the leg of a baby dressed up as a chicken, and the baby appeared to giggle as the president nibbled on his thigh, pretending to be eating chicken.
He is also seen biting the foot of a child in an ice cream cone costume and pinching another wearing a blue dress.
During the event, the president chatted with the kids as he handed out candy. Meanwhile, Jill handed out copies of the book ‘10 Spooky Pumpkins’.
Biden’s behavior received mixed reactions online – some said it was excusable given the fact that he is the grandfather of seven. Others pleaded to “never let him near children.”
Biden is known for his often bizarre interactions with children. In Finland last year, he was caught on camera nibbling on a young child at an airport.
In the video, the toddler was being held up by a woman identified as Dawn Ross, the wife of the US ambassador to Finland, Douglas Hickey.
The woman in the clip is seen smiling and laughing as Biden interacted with the child.