On February 12, President Joe Biden’s social media post caused a stir in both political and Bitcoin circles. An images of him sporting “laser eyes meme” has sparked speculation and debate. But what does it really signify? Let’s delve into the mystery behind President Biden’s unexpected digital makeover.
Unraveling the “Laser Eyes Meme” Phenomenon
President Biden’s adoption of the “laser eyes meme”, typically associated with bitcoin maximalism, has turned heads across social media platforms. This trend, popularized by celebrities and influencers, has taken on a life of its own within the Bitcoin community. But is President Biden’s embrace of this symbol a genuine endorsement of digital assets, or is there more to the story?
Some of the most prominent figures sporting laser eyes at one point included well-known celebrities such as NFL icon Tom Brady, Paris Hilton, and Elon Musk, who all enthusiastically adopted this trend.
While there remains question whether President Biden adopted this trend in support of Bitcoin or not, Block CEO Jack Dorsey made a more overt gesture towards Bitcoin during the Super Bowl.
Dorsey was observed wearing a T-shirt featuring a design reminiscent of the iconic smiley face from Nirvana’s 1991 album “Nevermind.” This shirt, bearing the name “Satoshi” in homage to Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, garnered attention from the Bitcoin community for its direct endorsement of the digital asset.
Dorsey’s fashion statement at the Super Bowl, which blends elements of pop culture with Bitcoin advocacy, underscored his support for the digital asset. It’s worth noting that Dorsey has previously endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Democratic presidential nomination. Kennedy, a candidate for 2024 presidential elections, pledged to protect Bitcoin against intrusive surveillance during his campaign speeches.
A Closer Look at Biden’s Post
Examining President Biden’s social media activity reveals a nuanced narrative. In his post, following the Super Bowl, he shares an image of himself with red laser eyes, seemingly celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory. However, the caption, “just like we drew it up,” hints at a deeper meaning. Could this be a subtle nod to the Bitcoin community, or merely a humorous reference to the football game?
President Biden’s recent post, despite his lack of prior support for Bitcoin, has sparked discussions. “Stand with Crypto,” a Coinbase-backed advocacy group, labels Biden as “anti-crypto,” citing five public statements reflecting his negative stance on digital assets.
However, a recent PWC report suggests another stance from from the Biden Administration on
“cryptocurrencies”, highlighting a more open approach. Although, the report emphasizes the administration’s urgency in researching “Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)”, not Bitcoin.
Biden’s choice of a laser-eyed profile picture has stirred debate, with opinions split on its significance to the Bitcoin community or possible ties to NFL integrity conspiracy theories.
Parsing Political, Sports, and Bitcoin Signals
Despite initial interpretations, President Biden’s “laser eyes” posts may not be straightforward endorsements of Bitcoin. In fact, his administration has not expressed explicit support for digital assets. In many instances, the Biden administration has been a nuisance to the Bitcoin community. The introduction of 30% tax for bitcoin miners energy consumption, and the emergency data collection initiative aimed at bitcoin mining operations in the U.S. are a few to name.
Instead, this post could be interpreted as an strategic move by democrats and their allies, somehow showcasing Biden’s confident and spirited side to spotlight achievements. It might also be an endeavor to engage younger demographics, aiming to tap into internet culture, all unaware of the weight this “meme” has in the Bitcoin community.
Eleanor Terrett, Fox Business journalist observed this event and stated:
“Wait what. Is he… Trying to go for the crypto vote now???”
It’s worth mentioning that the Joe Biden-themed mug featuring red laser eyes is currently available for purchase on his official website, labeled “Dark Brandon, Dark Roast Mug”, which brings about more questions than it actually answers.
Community Reactions
Responses to President Biden’s “laser eyes” post have been varied. While some interpret them as genuine endorsements of Bitcoin, others view them as mere internet memes devoid of deeper significance. Additionally, speculation about the involvement of unaware interns or social media managers adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
Various users on X reacted to this event. One comment stated that Joe Biden is now trying to gather votes from the Bitcoin community.
Another user mentioned that supporting Bitcoin is the only chance the U.S. President has at getting re-elected, and that things could end up getting “super interesting” if it turns out to be his reason behind the laser-eyes adoption.
Another user expressed his surprise at both this event, and the fact that bitcoin surpassed the $50,000 mark on Monday.
A user with keen observation, stated that this is not the first time Joe Biden has adopted laser-eyes meme, and that the event dates back to August of 2023.
The Role of Conspiracy Theories
Adding another layer to the puzzle is the connection between President Biden’s posts and the “Dark Brandon” meme.
The inclusion of red laser eyes in President Biden’s profile picture not only hyped Bitcoin supporters but also alludes to the “Dark Brandon” meme. This meme originated after NASCAR driver Brandon Brown’s victory, where spectators were thought to chant “Let’s go, Brandon” in support, but it was actually a profane phrase directed at Biden. As a response, Biden’s critics adopted “Let’s go Brandon,” leading his supporters to use “Dark Brandon” imagery as a satirical comeback.
This internet phenomenon, rooted in conspiracy theories surrounding the Super Bowl, complicates the narrative. While some view it as a playful nod to online culture, others speculate about hidden meanings and political messaging.
Impact on the Markets
Despite the speculation and buzz generated by President Biden’s post, its impact on bitcoin markets remains a topic of debate. Bitcoin saw an uptick of about 5% in its price on Monday, increasing from around $48,000 to $50,000 mark. It is possible that these social media antics could have played a part in this price rally.
Although this event seems to be irrelevant to the digital asset, President Biden’s unwanted foray into the world of Bitcoin memes reflects broader trends in political communication and online engagement. In an era where social media plays an increasingly influential role in shaping public opinion, politicians must navigate the digital landscape with care. President Biden’s posts serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in this new era of political messaging.
