President Joe Biden made a new friend during a visit to Children’s National Hospital on Friday.
In his final pre-holiday visit to the hospital in Washington, D.C., Biden tried to play catch with a binky-sporting toddler as First Lady Jill Biden read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to children who gathered in the atrium, an annual White House tradition.
“Reading and entertainment,” the first lady said as the crowd laughed at Biden’s interaction with the child as the president sat in a matching red chair next to his wife.
The president then spoke to the kids, saying he knows it is a “tough time” for them to spend the holidays at the hospital instead of at home.
“Keep the hope,” Biden said. “You’re in our prayers, you’re in our thoughts, and thank you for letting us join you.”
The First Couple also met with families and patients.
First ladies, dating back to Bess Truman more than 75 years ago, have visited the hospital for the holidays, and the Bidens have gone each year during Joe Biden’s presidency.
