Douglas Murray Douglas Murray

If not Biden, who?

issue 21 January 2023

Monday was Martin Luther King Jr Day in the United States. And this year it was most memorable for two events. The first was the unveiling in Boston of a new sculptural tribute to the civil rights hero. Unfortunately, depending on the position from which you view this inept work of public art, it resembles either a man holding his head in despair or some people holding aloft a giant turd.

The ‘Embrace’ sculpture during its unveiling at the Boston Common, 13 January 2023 (Katy Rogers/Media Punch/Alamy)

The second incident was Joe Biden doing what he does best. The President was careful not to politicise the day – apart from attacking the Republicans. But during his remarks he also noted that it was the birthday of King’s daughter-in-law and said that his wife has a rule that when it is someone’s birthday everybody should sing ‘Happy Birthday’. Crazy old rule.

So the President led the singing to Martin Luther King III’s wife Arndrea.

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