Originally published August 22, 2023 7:21 am PDT
During a somber ceremony in Lahaina, intended to comfort the fire survivors and commemorate the losses experienced, President Joe Biden seemed to momentarily lose focus.
Observers present at the Lahaina Civic Center caught the President appearing to doze off, as his head lowered and eyes closed during the proceedings.
Before this moment, President Biden, accompanied by the First Lady, federal officials, and Hawaiian dignitaries, walked through the charred remains of the town, visibly moved by the destruction.
Expressing his sentiments on the scale of the disaster, he remarked, “The devastation is overwhelming.”
Showing his solidarity with the affected, he added, “The country grieves with you, stands with you. We’re focused on what’s next, rebuilding in the long-term.”
During his speech at the Civic Center, Biden reached out to both survivors and those grieving the loss of loved ones.
“Jill and I are here to grieve with you, but also we want you to know the entire country is here for you,” he assured.
The President further committed the federal government’s unwavering support, vowing that the recovery assistance for Maui will continue “as long as it takes.”
His pledge was clear: “We’re not going to stop until it’s done. We’re going to build back better.”
He also addressed the concerns of the local residents regarding the town’s reconstruction, saying Lahaina’s revival should reflect the “way that the people of Maui want to build, not the way others want to build. But you know, it’s gonna be hard.”
While the President’s words were well-received, his brief lapse became a notable aspect of the ceremony, drawing attention across various media outlets.
