Biden faces criticism for his demeanor at Carter’s funeral
President Joe Biden, often criticized for his alleged tendency to doze off at public events, sparked another round of social media speculation on Thursday. During the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral, Biden was photographed with his eyes closed and head bowed, leading critics to claim he had fallen asleep.
The 82-year-old president attended the solemn event alongside four other living former U.S. presidents—George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump—to honor Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Social media users were quick to label the moment as yet another instance of “Sleepy Joe,” a nickname often used by his detractors to question his cognitive health.
Body language expert offers an alternative perspective
In response to the viral accusations, renowned body language expert Patti Wood weighed in, offering an explanation that counters the prevailing narrative. Speaking to The U.S. Sun, Wood suggested that Biden’s closed eyes were not indicative of sleep but rather a common nonverbal gesture associated with grief.
“When something is very painful or you’re grieving, there’s a higher tendency for you to close your eyes,” Wood explained. She noted that the act of closing one’s eyes, often referred to as “eye blocking,” is a natural way to manage intense emotions. “It’s a common behavior at funerals,” she added, emphasizing that it is typical for individuals in mourning to exhibit such gestures.
While acknowledging the possibility that Biden might have been fatigued, Wood underscored that his demeanor was consistent with the solemn atmosphere of the occasion. “It’s also typical of somebody specifically in grief, trauma, and loss at a funeral,” she noted.
Comparing Trump and Biden’s demeanor at the funeral
Wood’s analysis extended to former President Donald Trump, who displayed a starkly different demeanor during the ceremony. While Biden appeared somber and reflective, Trump was observed engaging in a lighthearted conversation with former President Barack Obama.
“In this situation, Trump was nonverbally making an effort to lean into Obama, talk, and joke around with him,” Wood explained. She contrasted this with Trump’s wife, Melania, who appeared distant and “angry,” giving off “no cues that she wanted to be seen as his partner.”
Wood also analyzed a subtle yet telling interaction between Trump and his former Vice President Mike Pence during the funeral. Noting Trump’s handshake technique, which she termed the “dig handshake,” Wood said, “He’s actually digging into that fairly sensitive area between the forefinger and thumb of Pence.”
According to Wood, this gesture was a calculated move by Trump to assert dominance and reinforce his status as the “top dog.” Pence, however, responded with a “shield movement,” signaling discomfort. The two have remained at odds since the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, during which Trump publicly criticized Pence for certifying Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Public reactions and enduring narratives
The contrasting behaviors of Biden and Trump at Jimmy Carter’s funeral have reignited debates about the personalities and leadership styles of the two political figures. While critics were quick to attack Biden for his perceived frailty, others appreciated the president’s emotional connection to the moment.
The viral photos and expert interpretations serve as a reminder of how public figures are scrutinized even in their most personal and reflective moments. As Wood put it, Biden’s gesture may not have been a sign of fatigue but rather a human reaction to grief—a testament to the decades-long friendship he shared with Jimmy Carter.
The discourse surrounding these events highlights the complexities of perception in public life and the powerful role of body language in shaping narratives.
