Hawkers Who Met Joe Biden in 2013 Described Him as ‘Friendly’ & Very ‘Energetic’


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As news continues to pour in about Joe Biden’s presidential election win, folks over here in Singapore took this chance to reminisce his visit seven years ago.

As the vice-president under the Obama administration, the trip in 2013 was his official visit to Singapore.

The visit has now become a golden moment in Singapore’s history books.

Biden was accompanied by his wife, Jill, his daughter, Ashley and son-in-law, Howard Krein, during the two-day trip.

One of the main highlights that got Singaporeans abuzzed was him making a surprise pit stop to Adam Road Food Centre.

Hawkers Commented that Biden was Friendly with No Airs

The surprise pit stop to Adam Road Food Centre saw Biden trying out lime juice, chatting and taking photos with people.

He was accompanied by his son-in-law.

When interviewed by Lianhe Wanbao, the store assistant of drinks store, Taj Mahal, said that he did not know Joe Biden was an important figure back then.

While talking to Biden, he felt that Biden was a friendly person with no airs. Biden also spent some time chatting with other store owners.

Biden paid $3 for 2 cups of lime juice while at Adam Road Food Centre.

He also added that Biden bought the lime juice from the store his father operated, and that the drinks were prepared by his father personally.

The store assistant also shared that Biden’s visit was sudden and unannounced. Despite the heat, Biden made two rounds around the hawker centre. He recalled that Biden was friendly while speaking to others.

As the store assistant was not aware that Biden was US’ vice-president, he regretted not taking a photo with him back then.

Well, he’d definitely regret now because he’s now the President-Elect instead.

Two-Day Trip to Singapore Included a Visit to the Singapore Botanical Gardens and Meeting the President and Prime Minister

Aside from his trip to the hawker centre to take in the local sights and sounds, Biden’s official visit also saw him at the Singapore Botanical Gardens.

For those who are unaware, there’s a flower named after Biden and his missus.


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The orchid hybrid is called, “Dendrobium Joe and Jill Biden”.

Jill Biden also made a trip to the National Library to visit the Green Children’s Library. She also read the book titled, Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey to about 30 school children.

Check out Jill Biden’s blog about her visit to Singapore here.

The pair also called on then-President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and met founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew as well.

Catch the snippets video of the two day visit here:


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Featured Image: Matt Smith Photographer / Shutterstock.com