In a candid moment on Tuesday, President Joe Biden called himself "stupid" for not putting his name on the coronavirus pandemic relief checks, a move that his predecessor, Donald Trump, adopted during his presidency in 2020.

During a speech at the Brookings Institution, Biden highlighted the significant legislation he passed, the American Rescue Plan, touted as the most extensive economic recovery package in U.S. history. "I signed the American Rescue Plan," Biden said, reflecting on the critical lessons learned from Trump’s administration. “Trump sent out checks totaling over $7,400 to people, and I didn’t,” he noted, humorously pointing to his head as he labeled his decision as "stupid," eliciting laughter from the audience.

Although Biden chose not to place his name directly on the checks themselves, he did ensure that communications from the IRS regarding the payments included a letter signed by him. The letter emphasized the importance of the American Rescue Plan in delivering immediate economic relief to millions of Americans during the ongoing health crisis.

While Trump’s administration faced significant criticism for its handling of the pandemic—including controversial statements about disinfectants and other unproven treatments—it is noteworthy that he insisted the economic stimulus checks bore his signature. This branding effort became a focal point during the recent electoral discussions, with former President Barack Obama calling on voters to recognize Biden's contributions rather than Trump’s framing of the relief packages.

Obama urged citizens not to be “bamboozled” by Trump's campaign messaging. He pointed out, "Joe Biden sent you a check during the pandemic just like I gave people relief during the Great Recession." He emphasized that the focus should be on helping people rather than bolstering political aspirations.

Interestingly, some commentators, including comedian Seth Meyers, have critiqued Democrats for not taking enough credit for their accomplishments. Meyers suggested a more assertive approach to branding relief efforts, stating, "Next time, put your name on it. Seriously, Joe Biden should have sent everyone $1,000 in the mail and called it Biden Bucks."

As the nation navigates through economic recovery, Biden's acknowledgment of Trump's signature move may indicate a strategic pivot toward branding and visibility for his administration's initiatives, potentially shaping campaign strategies as the 2024 election approaches.

Stay tuned as political dynamics continue to evolve amidst ongoing discussions surrounding economic policies and public sentiment leading into the election season!