Former President Joe Biden appeared to look for guidance on how to exit the stage after delivering remarks at the Maryland Democratic Party's "Fight Back & Win Gala" on Saturday night.
After his approximately 10-minute keynote speech near Baltimore, the 83-year-old paused onstage and appeared to gesture toward the wings of the stage, seemingly uncertain of his exit path. After receiving direction, Biden turned and walked offstage with his back to the audience. Unlike some other speakers at the event, who exited from a different side of the stage, Biden left in another direction.
During his remarks, Biden delivered a critique of former President Donald Trump's administration and defended his own record. He also criticized Trump's spending on what he called "vanity projects," including renovations to the White House and changes at the Kennedy Center. Biden concluded his speech by urging Democrats to "fight back" and stated that unity could overcome national challenges.
This incident follows a similar moment at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago several days prior. At that event, after other speakers had left the stage, Biden remained onstage and called out, "Where's my granddaughter?" Former First Lady Jill Biden then returned to the stage and guided him off.
Biden has made fewer public appearances since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. He has publicly disclosed that he is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer.