What is Biden's legacy for the stammering community?

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Joe Biden (courtesy of Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

As Joe Biden prepares to leave the White House today, we asked Sarah Armstrong from the National Stuttering Association of America to reflect on the impact his presidency has had on the stammering community as well as public attitudes towards it.

In January 2021, Joseph R. Biden Jr. took the oath of office as the 46th president of the United States, marking an historic moment, not only in politics but also for the stuttering community. As the most high-profile person who stutters in modern history, Biden brought his experiences with stuttering into the global spotlight, openly discussing the challenges he faced and offering encouragement to young people who stutter. Now, four years later, as his presidency reaches its conclusion, it's time to reflect on how Biden's visibility has reshaped public attitudes about stuttering and inspired a cultural shift toward understanding and acceptance.

A new era of representation

Biden's openness about his experiences with stuttering resonated deeply with millions of people who stutter. His willingness to discuss his speech strategies — such as marking text with symbols or practising relentlessly — brought a level of visibility and validation that had been largely absent from public discourse. One of the most poignant moments came in 2020, when Biden introduced the world to Brayden Harrington, a then-13-year-old who also stutters. They met at the Democratic National Convention, with Biden giving Brayden words of encouragement. Their connection was raw and transformative, showing millions that stuttering is not a barrier to connection or leadership.

This moment was not isolated. Throughout his presidency, Biden frequently responded to letters from children who stutter, offering advice and encouragement. These interactions highlighted the importance of representation and reminded the world that people who stutter are not alone in their experiences.

Biden has shattered stereotypes, demonstrated that stuttering should not be an obstacle to leadership, and reminded millions of people who stutter that their voices matter.

And yet, when Biden's stuttering became a frequent topic of discussion during his campaign, reactions in the media varied. Early coverage was often laced with gross misunderstanding, with some commentators conflating his disfluency with mental lapses. News outlets replayed moments where Biden struggled to find words or paused, implying these were signs of ageing or cognitive decline rather than stuttering-related disfluency. The phrasing of some journalists and political leaders downplayed the reality of stuttering and framed it as a personal failing rather than a neurological condition. Shows like Saturday Night Live occasionally included caricatures of Biden that failed to thoughtfully address his stuttering, reducing it to a punchline rather than an authentic portrayal.

However, we also witnessed major outlets seeking to explore stuttering with greater nuance, producing stories that humanised the experience and explained the science behind fluency disorders. For instance, John Hendrickson's 2019 Atlantic feature 'What Joe Biden Can't Bring Himself to Say' delved into both men's journeys with stuttering, shedding light on the lived experience of people who stutter and the tools needed to succeed in public life. Similarly, The Washington Post published features on the broader cultural implications of having a president who stutters, emphasising the importance of normalising disfluent speech in leadership.

The road ahead

Our organisation, the National Stuttering Association (NSA), has also seen a surge in engagement from journalists who have sought to more accurately represent disfluent speech.

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Biden's presidency has provided advocacy organisations like us with a unique platform to advance our missions. The NSA has leveraged this moment to promote systemic change, advocating for increased research for stuttering through our CASE Research Grant program, expanded access to the resources and tools that support and connect people who stutter, and more inclusive environments in schools and workplaces. Our organisation has also seen a surge in engagement from journalists who have sought to more accurately represent disfluent speech.

As Joe Biden's term concludes, his legacy for the stuttering community — regardless of political ideology — is undeniable. He has shattered stereotypes, demonstrated that stuttering should not be an obstacle to leadership, and reminded millions of people who stutter that their voices matter. Yet, challenges remain. Equitable access to speech therapy here in the USA, continued efforts to combat stereotypes, and sustained public awareness campaigns will be essential in building on the springboard toward greater understanding that Biden's presidency has provided. Advocacy organisations like the NSA and STAMMA will play a pivotal role in driving these efforts by supporting the stuttering community and collaborating with those in a position to drive systemic change.

At the NSA, we often say, "If you stutter, you're not alone." President Biden has embodied this sentiment, showing the world that stuttering is not a weakness but a unique aspect of one's identity. As we look to the future, we carry forward our shared vision of a more understanding society.

By working together, we can build a world where every voice — no matter how it speaks — is celebrated and valued.

Sarah Armstrong is the Communications Director for the National Stuttering Association, USA.