Sundae Sunday: Social media scoops Biden announcement coincidence

The US president is well-known for his love of the frozen dessert 

US President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will no longer be pursuing a second term came on American National Ice Cream Day, prompting a swirl of social media reaction about the “funny coincidence” considering the leader’s well-known affection for the frozen dessert.     

The timing of Biden’s message on Sunday, July 21, sparked numerous jokes and memes, as some voters even speculated if the date to reveal that the president is “melting away” had been planned.  

“Is it really national ice cream day?” tech billionaire Elon Musk wondered.   

Biden revealed his decision to quit the presidential election race in an open letter posted to X (formerly Twitter). He has promised to deliver a special address on the matter later this week.  

US President Joe Biden. ©  Jm WATSON/AFP

“Joe Biden waited for National Ice Cream Day to drop out of the presidential race,” one X user wrote.   

“Probably the most historic national ice cream day we’ve ever had,” another X user said.

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” a third posted.  

“Biden dropping out on national ice cream day is so on brand actually. iconic,” a fourth commented.  

The president’s decades-long love of ice cream has been featured on social media and late-night shows.   

Biden and his ice creams first made memorable public appearances during Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. In 2016 when he was vice president, Biden made a confession while visiting the headquarters for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream in Columbus, Ohio.  

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“My name is Joe Biden, and I love ice cream,” Biden said as he took the stage. “You all think I’m kidding – I’m not. I eat more ice cream than three other people you’d like to be with, all at once.”  

Biden has regularly been spotted at ice cream parlors and stores throughout his presidency and reelection campaign. While the US leader has been seen eating a variety of flavors, his favorite is Graeter’s chocolate chip ice cream, Biden’s granddaughter Naomi Biden told Vogue in 2022.  

The American president announced his withdrawal from the race following weeks of pressure over his mental and physical state and less than a month before the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to start in Chicago.   

Biden said he will now focus all his “energies” on his remaining presidential duties. The 81-year-old has backed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the new Democratic Party candidate for the November 5 vote.