‘Barack, What Are You Doing?’: Watch Biden Tell Black University Leader He Resembles Obama

Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday told attendees at Syracuse University’s law school that a university leader resembled former President Barack Obama during a portrait unveiling ceremony.

Biden visited Syracuse University, his alma mater, for the unveiling of his law school portrait. During his speech, Biden paused mid-remarks, pointed into the audience, and singled out Syracuse Board Chairman Jeffrey M. Scruggs.

“I always want to turn around [to] one guy and say ‘Barack, what are you doing?’” Biden said, suggesting Scruggs resembled Obama.

The audience responded with laughter. Biden then repeatedly beckoned Scruggs back to the stage.

“Come here, come here, come here,” he said, gesturing insistently.

Scruggs returned, smiling politely as the former president continued.

“Doesn’t he look like Barack!?” Biden asked the crowd.

In the 2025 book “Original Sin,” authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson detailed concerns raised by aides and officials about Biden’s aging, stamina, and moments of confusion. The book reports instances in which Biden allegedly did not recognize or immediately identify certain longtime acquaintances and public figures during interactions, including George Clooney.

The book also describes internal White House discussions about adjusting his schedule and carefully managing public appearances to maintain performance across a demanding workload. In addition, Tapper and Thompson outlined disagreements among advisers and political allies over how openly to acknowledge or address concerns about his age and capacity while serving as president.