Biden predicts Democratic House takeover in remarks at bipartisan congressional picnic where he lauds 'camaraderie' of yesteryear

President Joe Biden predicted Democrats would sweep away House Republican rule in the November elections – sprinkling the comment into a speech with a main theme of bipartisan cooperation. 

Biden, 81, who is himself engaged in a fierce battle against Donald Trump, made the remark in introductory comments at the annual congressional picnic at the White House. He ran through the top Democratic leaders who were there, at an even skipped by top Republican leaders but featuring rank and file lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.  

Biden mentioned 'the guy who's going to be the next speaker of the House, Hakeem Jeffries,' after acknowledging Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, who's own majority status could be in jeopardy with multiple senate Democrats facing tough races.

Biden also hailed Democratic Senate whip Richard Durbin of Illinois and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who he called the 'best speaker in American history.'

When it came time to acknowledge former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Biden got an answer from first lady Jill Biden when he asked the always risky crowd question, 'Where's Steny Hoyer?'

'He's sitting by the beer,' chimed in Jill Biden, who also spoke. 

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed lawmakers to the White House, at an event where Biden said Democrat Hakeem Jeffries would be the next Speaker

Then Biden appeared to take a good natured dig at Maryland, where a Senate seat is on the line this election cycle. 

'Steny Hoyer lives on the western shore of Delaware – Maryland,' he cracked.

The remark about Jeffries, who many experts believe could be elevated following a year of extraordinary dysfunction in the Republican-run House, came in a speech where Biden spoke about the times during his 36-year career when lawmakers would spend more time with each other. 

The event brought together Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), a fierce Donald Trump loyalist.

Biden stopped for selfies at the event

The president spoke about his time hanging out in the Senate dining room

The event featured beer and lemonade

The event brought together Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R)

Pretty enthusiastic in pink: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and his wife Ginger attend the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2023

Hakeem Jeffries would likely be the next speaker if Democrats take the House

Biden briefly acknowledged Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), seated with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients (R)

Biden even mentioned congressional delegations abroad where spouses got to come along. 

'It's cameraderie.  Back in those days, we all got along, even though we had real differences,' he said.

Biden also said he had a 'little bit of a sore throat' as he prepares to head for France to mark the anniversary of D-Day.