A Toddler Steals the Spotlight During President Biden’s Visit to Children’s National Hospital
An adorable and unexpected moment unfolded as President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Friday, December 20.
Joe and Jill Biden visited the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. on Friday (December 20). Credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty
The visit, part of an annual tradition to bring holiday cheer to children and families, saw the Bidens engaging warmly with patients. While the First Lady held everyone’s attention with a heartfelt reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, it was a mischievous toddler in a light blue jumper who provided some laugh-out-loud entertainment.
Watch the Charming Moment Here:
During the reading, the toddler approached President Biden, pacifier in tow, and handed him a small red ball. The 82-year-old president gently took the ball and tried to calm the curious child, even inviting them to sit on his lap.
The child briefly obliged but soon wriggled free. Moments later, they returned, playfully tossing the ball back to the president. “Reading and entertainment,” Jill Biden quipped as she wrapped up her story.
Today, President Biden and the First Lady visited patients and families at Children’s National Hospital.
Our hearts are with these families this holiday season. pic.twitter.com/JyzwdLgTHA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 21, 2024
A Continuing Holiday Tradition
This visit upheld a longstanding tradition where the spouses of U.S. presidents spread joy at Children’s National Hospital during the holidays. CEO Michelle Riley-Brown acknowledged President Biden’s commitment, noting, “We’ve never had a president join for four years straight.”
During the event, President Biden offered words of encouragement to the children and their families.
Visiting the kids at Children’s National Hospital to spread holiday cheer with a good book has become one of our favorite holiday traditions.
This year’s visit was no different. pic.twitter.com/4CSllzcY1z
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 21, 2024
Reflecting on his personal experience of loss during the holiday season—when his first wife Neilia and daughter Naomi tragically died in 1972—Biden shared heartfelt advice: “Keep the hope. You’re in our prayers, you’re in our thoughts.”
A Future Leader Among Us?
In a lighter moment, Biden pointed to a child in the audience, joking, “There’s a future president! There’s a president right there!” He even handed the microphone to his newfound toddler friend, who humorously made noises into it, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
The Bidens’ visit to Children’s National Hospital highlighted the power of hope and the joy of connection, even in challenging times.
Featured image credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty
