‘I can’t help anything’: Biden tells audience at Asian American Heritage event after being introduced by Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan
- President Biden said he can’t ‘do a damn thing’ or ‘do much of anything’
- Came during remarks at an event at the White House for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month that showed
- Biden continued opening remarks from Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan before a screening of the new series American Born Chinese
Joe Biden was self-deprecating Monday night after being introduced by Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan during a special screening at the White House of the first episode of American Born Chinese.
Speaking at an Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month event at the White House, Biden said he can’t sing, dance or “much of anything.”
Notably, when Biden hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state dinner at the White House last month, he did not join the world leader in singing American Pie to the crowd.
Attendees in the East Room on Monday night got an exclusive first look at the new Disney+ comedy series American Born Chinese, which premieres later in May.
President Joe Biden said he can’t “act what’s worth it,” sing, dance or “much of anything” at a White House event for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Biden followed up on opening remarks by Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan
The president spoke after Quan became emotional when he said this was his first-ever visit to the White House.
“You know, I thought it would take me a really, really long time to get emotional again,” the Everything Everywhere All At Once star said in reference to his tear-jerking speech from the Academy Award winner.
“But when I entered the White House through the east entrance, and as I walked up those stairs, with that orchestra playing this beautiful music, I couldn’t help but burst into tears, because I told myself I was going to the White House, I go to the White House.”
“I’ve never been here before,” the Vietnam-born actor said to loud cheers. “And you know, now this is the way to get to the White House.”
He concluded enthusiastically, “And I never thought I’d get a chance to say this, but now it’s a real pleasure for me to introduce the President of the United States.”
Quan appeared to choke and have tears in his eyes during his remarks mentioning that this is his first visit to the White House. “You know, I thought it would take a really, really long time to get emotional again,” said the Everything Everywhere All At Once star
Biden continued with a dry joke.
“My name is Joe Biden,” the president downplayed, but got a roaring laugh.
“I’ve never won an Academy Award. I can behave like nothing. I can’t sing, I can’t dance. I can’t do much,’ he said.
The last bit caused the audience to give a sympathetic “aww” to Biden before saying, “And it’s good to be with you all.”
“Good evening everyone,” Biden said Monday as Quan looked on. “So this is the largest Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage celebration ever held at the White House.”
The president joked with Quan about how they were both big in the 1980s and having a career revival, even though everyone was counting us out.