Biden: Breaking Stereotypes as an Irishman Who’s Never Touched a Drink

President Joe Biden humorously claimed to be the only Irishman who has never had a drink during a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon at the Capitol.

He frequently speaks of his Irish roots with pride, and he explained his lifelong tee-totaler status as a result of his favorite uncle’s heavy drinking.

Biden hosted Irish leader Leo Varadkar at the White House for St. Patrick’s Day, but he declined to answer American reporters’ questions in the Oval Office, despite indications from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre that he would.

Previously, she had been asked why Biden wasn’t holding a press conference with Varadkar, as a two-and-two press conference with the visiting foreign leader is traditional.

Biden and Varadkar eventually made opening statements, but reporters were ushered out of the room before they could ask questions.

The only question Biden answered was from an Irish reporter, who asked when he would visit Ireland. Biden replied, “soon.”

Joe Biden welcomed Leo Varadkar to the White House for St. Patrick’s Day, and the Irish leader promised a warm reception for Biden’s upcoming visit to Ireland.

The president is expected to travel there next month to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday accord.

The White House was decorated for St. Patrick’s Day, with the fountain on the North Lawn dyed green, shamrocks in the Oval Office, and Biden wearing a green tie.

The holiday was celebrated with an Oval Office meeting, a Capitol Hill luncheon, and an Irish-themed breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Varadkar’s visit followed Biden’s announcement that he plans to visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland next month to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday accord, a U.S.-brokered agreement that helped end sectarian violence in the region.

During his visit, Varadkar presented Biden with an engraved crystal bowl of shamrocks, continuing a tradition that began in 1952.

Biden’s visit to Ireland as president had been complicated by Northern Ireland’s trade status, but a recent agreement between Britain and the European Union cleared the way for the trip.