Cultural King! Biden Bows and Wishes Kamala, “春节快乐!”
“Happy Lunar New Year Kamala 妹妹! As a true ally, I love Asian people”
February 9, 2021
By: Grant Yang
In a respectful gesture commemorating the Lunar New Year this week, President Biden honored VP Harris’ culture by bowing and wishing her a “春节快乐” (Chūn Jié Kuài Lè). Biden’s aides reminded the President of Kamala’s Indian descent before the encounter, but Biden insisted that Asia is a country just like the entirety of Africa.
“Asian culture is Asian culture after all. And we must respect it and celebrate it. As a true ally, I love Asian people,” exclaimed Biden.
Inspired by Kamala’s Asian background, Biden took a cue from her rich traditions to celebrate this holiday the right way. “Welcome to 2021, you slowpoke!” he said as he welcomed her into his home for the night’s festivities, “make sure to take off your shoes and feel free to unbind your feet, Kamala 阿姨.”
In honor of the first Asian vice president’s culture, Biden first surprised Kamala by repainting the White House red. “I know that red in your culture represents good luck, and you people are gonna need it!” Then, Biden led Harris to the Red House’s master closet and gifted Kamala a traditional qipao embroidered with blossoming peonies. “I know you must feel so uncomfortable and alienated in that American pantsuit so I got you something you’re more used to wearing. Change into this and meet me back in the dining room.” When Kamala saw Joe again, he was wearing a red changshan with a gold dragon wrapping around the jacket. “Why are you staring at me like that Kamala 阿姨? Do I remind you of your daddy?”
Next, Biden treated Harris to a traditional New Year dinner. “I know you’ve probably been missing your mother’s cooking ever since you immigrated,” Biden said comfortingly, “so I’ve made some dishes that will remind you of home. Jill and I whipped up some noodles, turnip cakes, and nian gao. Also, I heard that it’s the Year of the Ox and I know that cows are sacred in your native country so I boiled some beef jiaozi just for you!”
Finally, to close out the night’s celebrations, Joe gifted Kamala a hongbao. When she opened it, however, there was only a folded up piece of paper inside. “I wanted to give you something extra special this year,” he said tearing up a little, “I know that you were probably so upset today that you still had to work despite it being your people’s most important holiday. Therefore, I signed this Executive Order declaring that Lunar New Year is a federal holiday. I’m also sure that your people feel so alienated ringing in the new year at a different time than us normal people, so I’m moving the Lunar New Year to January 1st! You can finally celebrate it early with the rest of us!” With this act of extreme kindness, the two leaders embraced, symbolizing the union of two diverse but beautiful cultures. “So you’re still going to have to work tomorrow,” Joe whispered in her ear respectfully.
