Footage from nearly four decades ago has emerged on social media, featuring former late-night host Johnny Carson criticizing then-Senator Joe Biden for purported plagiarism. Carson pointed out contentious moments from Biden’s early political career, during which he appeared to have appropriated segments of speeches from other notable politicians.
In the well-known clip from almost 40 years ago, Carson remarked, “One of the Democratic candidates is Senator Joseph Biden. Have you noticed the issues he’s been facing? He went around delivering a speech. And it seems he quoted, I believe it was a British politician, taking his speech and somewhat paraphrasing it as his own. Subsequently, the press scrutinized him.”
Carson further emphasized in his commentary that this was not a singular occurrence, asserting that Biden had also plagiarized a speech from former United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. “Moreover, he was also accused of taking parts of Bobby Kennedy’s speeches,” Carson added. In a clever jest, the host delivered a humorous punchline referencing Franklin D. Roosevelt, stating, “And Biden says, not to worry, he reassured his staff. He said, ‘we have nothing to fear, but fear itself.’”
Social media users responded to the nostalgic clip of the cherished late-night host. Popular comedian Tim Young shared the clip on X, stating, “Here’s Johnny Carson calling Joe Biden a fraud 36 years ago!” Others echoed this view in the comments section. “He was a brilliant man!!!!!!” one woman remarked about Carson.
“I still can’t believe he was able to run, let alone win the presidency, when there are numerous videos of him lying and plagiarizing repeatedly throughout his political career. If that’s not evidence that the system is entirely rigged, I don’t know what is!” one individual expressed, highlighting Joe Biden’s alleged instances of plagiarism.
Others commended Carson for his readiness to criticize both political parties, in contrast to many contemporary late-night hosts. “I truly miss Johnny Carson; he would mock both sides without being cruel or filled with animosity like the left-wing individuals we are currently faced with, such as Kimmel, Fallon, Meyers, and the most egregious of all, Colbert, the state court jester of the Democratic Party,” one individual remarked.
“If you were unaware of that, you ought to investigate it. The media conducted an extensive report on the matter during a time when journalism was genuine. He ultimately withdrew from the race due to it. I discovered it prior to the election while researching the candidates (what a refreshing method). Clearly, I did not cast my vote for Biden,” another individual stated, encouraging others to look into the allegations of Biden’s plagiarism if they had not done so already.
After watching the archived footage from years gone by, one person expressed a longing for the traditional American values that seem to have faded away. “I yearn for the classic morals and customs. Men were men; they fought, forgave, and formed friendships. Women were devoted and valued. Children accepted responsibility. Indeed..” they wrote.
View the resurfaced clip of Carson addressing Biden many years ago below:
