WASHINGTON – “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill visited President Biden at the White House on Friday, a day ahead of the sci-fi series’ annual fan celebration “May the Fourth.”
Immediately after meeting with Biden, 81, Hamill, 72, surprised reporters by entering the press conference room.
“I just got to meet the president. He gave me these aviator glasses, and I love them,” Hamill said, showing off his new sunglasses.
The actor has been an outspoken supporter of both Biden and Israel amid widespread protests and riots on college campuses against the Jewish state’s continued invasion of the Gaza Strip, which has targeted the president and the terrorist organization Hamas.
“America supports Israel✊” Hamill says Posted On Instagram last month — after signing open letter In October, it accused jihadists of killing about 1,200 civilians on October 7.
Hamill did not mention the Middle East wars during his brief appearance before reporters.
“He said, ‘You can call me Joe,'” the actor recalled.
“So I said, ‘Can I call you Joe Be Won Kenobi?’ And he loved it.”
Hamill said he had intended to give a short greeting in the Oval Office, but was held back while Biden “showed me all his pictures.”
“That was a real surprise to me because I was invited to the Carter White House and I came to the Obama White House, but I had never been invited to the Oval Office,” he said. Told.
Hamill then gushed about Biden’s performance — polls show the president’s average approval rating is dismal; 40.1% He is seeking re-election in November, hampered by opinion polls showing high inflation and widespread dissatisfaction with illegal immigration.
“To me, the president has been the most legislatively successful president in our lifetime, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the PACT Act, the CHIPS Act, all the rest — inflation, $15 million, you don’t have to go through the list. Employment is fine,” Hamill said.
“I mean, it was really thrilling to meet all the staff, because it’s not just one person. It’s like a composite endeavor…I’m really excited to meet all the staff, because it’s not just one person. I had no idea.”
Hamill also praised New York Times reporter Peter Baker, who was sitting in the second row of the newsroom, saying he “loved” Baker’s latest book.
“I’m always open to questions. I don’t have any Star Wars questions, but please,” Hamill said, ultimately offering little in the way of two replies.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was later asked about the exact reason for Hamill’s visit with Biden, but she said only that it was “a conversation about what the president can do on behalf of the American people.” Ta.
