Joe Biden requires stage direction at Obama's library debut
Joe Biden was seen mumbling to himself after being directed across the stage at the opening of Barack Obama's presidential library.
The former president, 83, seemed bewildered at various points during the event in Chicago on Thursday.
Video showed him staring straight ahead into the crowd as Obama strolled past.
He then lingered near the podium after much of the ceremony had ended, with cameras capturing him waving to the crowd, scanning the audience and remaining on stage after Obama and other dignitaries had moved away.
After being left alone on stage, Biden appeared to ask: 'Where are the children?' before adding: 'Where's my granddaughter?' according to Daily Mail lip-reader Nicola Hickling.
The awkward scenes quickly became some of the most talked-about moments from the star-studded event, which brought together former presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Biden for the dedication of the Obama Presidential Center.
Video also showed Biden appearing to seek direction as guests and performers moved around the stage, before he was eventually joined by his wife former First Lady Jill Biden.
Biden's appearance marked one of his highest-profile public outings in recent months as he continues to battle prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
Joe Biden appeared confused and looking for direction after lingering on stage following the dedication ceremony at Barack Obama's presidential center in Chicago on Thursday
Video showed Biden standing near the podium as other dignitaries, including Obama, began leaving the stage
According to a lip-reader, Biden appeared to ask: 'Where are the children?' while looking out into the crowd
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Hickling also analyzed an exchange between Obama and Biden as the pair stood together on stage.
According to her interpretation, Obama told Biden: 'As you know, I got a real deal. I can't fail, I told him to go,' while gesturing over his shoulder before adding: 'Come on, the camera's on us.'
Hickling claimed Biden replied: 'Thank you for the lovely welcome.'
The event itself was intended as a celebration of Obama's presidential legacy and the official opening of the sprawling campus on Chicago's South Side.
Obama was joined by Clinton, Bush, Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris and a guest list packed with celebrities, musicians and political figures.
During his remarks, Obama paid tribute to Biden and their years together in the White House.
Biden is directed off stage by his wife former First Lady Jill Biden
Biden attended the event alongside former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W Bush
Biden's appeared tired at times during the ceremony. His appearance comes as he continues treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to his bones
Biden looked to be resting as he sat in his chair during the event on Thursday
Biden appeared briefly uncertain about where to go as the ceremony wound down and other dignitaries exited the stage
Footage captured Biden scanning the crowd before making his way toward the microphone
Former President Barack Obama, right, shares a laugh with former first lady Michelle Obama, left, on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
'Thank you for your steadfast partnership for eight years,' Obama told the crowd.
'Joe, we started as running mates, and ended as family. And we would not be here without you, and we are grateful.'
The former president's comments drew applause from attendees gathered for the ceremony, which also featured performances from Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bono, John Legend and Christina Aguilera.
The appearance inevitably revived discussion about the closing chapter of Biden's presidency, during which critics repeatedly questioned whether the then octogenarian should have stepped aside sooner ahead of the 2024 election.
Biden, who left office as the oldest president in American history, has largely remained out of the spotlight since departing the White House.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
