Biden refers to Maryland's first Black governor by racially-charged term during remarks on economy

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Biden refers to Maryland’s Black governor as ‘boy’ during remarks on economy

Biden has known to use the term nonchalantly when addressing White individuals during his speeches as well.

President Biden on Wednesday referred to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who is Black, as "boy" during his opening remarks to an audience of IBEW union workers.

"You got a hell of a new governor in Wes Moore, I tell ya," Biden said, eliciting applause. "He’s the real deal, and the boy looked like he could still play. He got some guns on him." 

President Biden speaks about the economy to union members at the IBEW Local Union 26 in Lanham, Maryland, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Biden has used the term nonchalantly when addressing White individuals during previous speeches. 

Last October, during his remarks on student loan forgiveness, the president referred to Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who is White, as "boy." 

"And Chris Coons, who has the seat I used to hold. Only difference is that he not only has a law degree, he has a divinity degree. The boy can preach," Biden said. 

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And in April, during his remarks on the Safer America Plan, Biden referred to former U.S. Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy, who is also White, as "boy." 

"And my buddy, Patrick Murphy, former … Secretary of the Army as well as a former congressman. And the boy stays in shape, man. Look at him," Biden said. 

Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore speaks to the congregation while attending a church service at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland, on Nov. 6, 2022. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

But in the wrong context, the term "boy" is a racially derogatory term toward Black men. In the Jim Crow era, White people would often refer to Black men — regardless of their age — as "boy" as a way to belittle and affirm their supposed superiority. 

Wednesday was not the first time Biden used the word in an inappropriate context. Earlier in his presidency, he called a Black adviser "boy" during a Federal Emergency Management Administration briefing. He also touted then-Sen. Barack Obama as "the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean." Years later, Biden said he regretted those remarks.

Biden's latest questionable comment comes one day after press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said he is the "best communicator" in the White House.

"The Governor was honored to have President Biden back in Maryland. Today's event showed a clear contrast between the President’s desire to move this country forward in partnership and Republican attempts to obstruct progress," Governor Moore's Communications Director said in a statement. 

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"The federal government is a vital partner to Maryland, from rebuilding our infrastructure and creating 30,000 jobs to ensuring universal access to broadband. We look forward to having the President back."