Biden pauses onstage seeking exit directions after Maryland Democratic gala speech

Joe Biden, 83, paused onstage and looked toward the wings after delivering remarks at a Democratic gala Saturday night before pointing in two different directions and then walking off after receiving guidance. The former president had just completed a roughly 10-minute keynote speech at the Maryland Democratic Party's Fight Back & Win Gala near Baltimore.

Several other speakers at the event exited on the opposite side of the stage.

Speech content During the address Biden defended his administration's record and criticized the current administration's actions. He also referred to certain projects as "vanity projects," including renovations to the White House, changes at the Kennedy Center, and work on the reflecting pool on the National Mall.

Biden paused several times to cough during the remarks and ended by urging Democrats to "fight back," stating the country could overcome challenges by acting together.

Recent public appearances The onstage moment occurred days after another incident at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where Biden remained onstage after others had exited and called out for his granddaughter before being guided off by former First Lady Jill Biden.

Biden has made only occasional public appearances since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race and recently disclosed he is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer.