Yet, it was no meme page or troll account posting that image: It was posted on Biden’s own X page early on Monday. Coming against the backdrop of Israel’s brutal war on Gaza that has killed more than 28,000 people and that the US has backed, the image prompted particular criticism of Biden by some social media users.

Many suggested that Biden’s post was distasteful and insensitive as it came amid Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.

While calling for an end to civilian deaths in Gaza, the Biden administration continues to sell and supply weapons to Israel.

“But I don’t think Biden is thinking of the global audience here,” he said. “He is mostly thinking about his US audience.”

“The meme in itself is a political communication tool,” he told Al Jazeera. “It is being weaponised by different parties in order to attract attention and distract from other issues.”

Biden is not the only politician who has used memes to relay political messaging. Social media teams and followers of politicians including former US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have banked on memes and internet trends to further political messages.

  • @HWK_290@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    275 months ago

    Jfc, he (more accurately his social media team) is meeting these homegrown idiots where they’re at. Not everything is about his foreign policy…

    • @jimmydoreisalefty@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      -325 months ago

      Yes, when civilians are being bombed while these “oh, so importatant” memes are taking place…

      Foreign policy is important to some of us that are anti-war… especially when we are the ones funding these wars, per Genocide Joe.

      • @Telorand@reddthat.com
        link
        fedilink
        195 months ago

        It seems you expect him to talk nonstop about the war in Gaza.

        But like it or not, other things happen and are happening. It’s nice to be silly once in a while, and I don’t know why you’re so bothered by levity.

        • @jimmydoreisalefty@lemmy.worldOP
          link
          fedilink
          -215 months ago

          I am anti-war, so anytime I can call it out I will gladly do it.

          Yes, Genocide Joe should talk about Palestine until they stop funding these wars, but they continue to fund them…

          IMO talking about 10s or thousands of civilians being killed by our bombs should be a major talking point, even in Lemmy.

          • Admiral Patrick
            link
            fedilink
            English
            195 months ago

            The constant use of juvenile nicknames really helps people take your position seriously. /s

            • @jimmydoreisalefty@lemmy.worldOP
              link
              fedilink
              -225 months ago

              Yes, nicknames are given to people.

              Friends also tend to give each other nicknames.

              Genocide Joe is a fitting nickname to the “most progressive president in our lifetime”.

              • Admiral Patrick
                link
                fedilink
                English
                135 months ago

                Does the troll farm you work for have good benefits? I ask only because I’m looking for somewhere with a good dental plan. Lisa needs braces.

                • @jimmydoreisalefty@lemmy.worldOP
                  link
                  fedilink
                  -185 months ago

                  Sadly, I am located in the US.

                  We do not have M4A or guaranteed vaction time, if you use too much we get fired or disciplined.

                  Many have to work multiple part time jobs to get by.

                  Dental plans are a dream to many.

                  I would suggest to go to universities and let students work on your teeth, it is the more economic route, many in the US use that as a way to fix our teeth.

                  Just expect long lines if you go to dentisty students for procedures!