Mark Hamill’s White House visit produced a Star Wars pun for President Joe Biden: “Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi.” Hamill said Biden invited him to call him “Joe,” and liked the nickname Hamill suggested in response.
What did Mark Hamill call Joe Biden?
During a visit to the White House on May 3, 2024, Hamill said Biden told him he could call him “Joe.” Hamill asked, “Can I call you Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi?” and later said of Biden’s response, “He liked that.” The Associated Press reported the exchange; CBS also summarized Hamill’s appearance and the nickname.
Why “Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi” is a Star Wars pun
The joke blends Biden’s first name with Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi Master from Star Wars. Hamill is best known for playing Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan’s fellow Jedi and mentor to Luke in the saga.
Why Hamill visited just before Star Wars Day
The visit took place the day before May 4, an unofficial observance known as Star Wars Day. Its date echoes the franchise phrase “May the Force be with you,” reworked as “May the fourth be with you.” Hamill also appeared briefly at the start of the White House press briefing after meeting Biden. CBS covered the briefing appearance, and Sky News framed the visit as preceding the May 4 observance.
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What else was reported about the visit?
The Associated Press reported that Biden gave Hamill a pair of aviator sunglasses, but did not identify their make or model. The report also said Hamill and the White House were vague about the reason for the visit, so no more specific purpose is established.
On May 4, Biden and Hamill also exchanged Star Wars Day messages on social media, as reported by Axios.
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