PRESIDENT Joe Biden has been slammed by critics for cussing while speaking at Sandra Day O’Connor’s funeral before asking a priest for forgiveness.
Biden honored the first female Supreme Court Justice on Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral, calling her an “American pioneer.”
However, during his speech, a curse word slipped from the president’s mouth as he spoke about O’Conner’s legacy.
He said that O’Connor “empowered generations of women” and “proved that a woman can not only do anything a man can do but many times do it a hell of a lot — heck of a lot better.”
Immediately after the blunder, Biden apologized, saying: “Excuse my language, Father.”
The president continued, calling O’Connor “gracious and wise, civil and principled” as he spoke to members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and White House officials.
However, Biden’s gaffe was quickly caught by viewers, many of whom were left unimpressed.
“An apology is not license to do it!! Ffs!!” wrote one person. “Wtf has happened to this world!”
“This is an absolute circus,” wrote another person.
A third person wrote: “Joe Biden giving a eulogy for Sandra Day O’Connor today, curses and then says ‘excuse my language.’ Can’t even control his mouth at a funeral.”
Another person simply used a clown emoji to describe the president’s speech.
However, it wasn’t just criticism thrown at Biden as some praised the kind words he had for O’Connor.
“Joe Biden just hit the eulogy for Sandra Day O’Connor out of the park,” wrote one person.
“It was very impressive on all fronts.”
Another person called the president “articulate, strong, and passionate.
“Watched President Joe Biden speak at Sandra Day O’Connor’s Funeral,” wrote another person.
“Sincere, graceful & extremely respectful. Presidential.”
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O’Connor died on December 1, at the age of 93 due to complications related to advanced dementia.
“A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female justice,” Chief Justice John Roberts said.
“She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor.
“We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law, and an eloquent advocate for civics education.
“And we celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot.”
O’Connor left the public eye in 2018 after revealing she was diagnosed with the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer’s disease.
The justice wrote at the time: “As this condition has progressed, I am no longer able to participate in public life,”
“While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings in my life,” O’Connor added.
“How fortunate I feel to be an American and to have been presented with the remarkable opportunities available to the citizens of our country.
“As a young cowgirl from the Arizona desert, I never could have imagined that one day I would become the first woman justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.”
O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
In her nomination, President Reagan called O’Connor “truly a person for all seasons, possessing those unique qualities of temperament, fairness, intellectual capacity, and devotion to the public good which have characterized the 101 brethren who have preceded her.”
O’Connor is survived by her three sons, Scott, Jay, and Brian, and six grandchildren.
