The Conversation (0)
Enrique Limón
Dec 18, 2020
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The accurate translation of articles originally written in English to Spanish has been a woeful source of comic relief within the recently launched Independent en Español imprint.
Perhaps that’s why AP referring to US president-elect Joe Biden as José in a since updated news story on Wednesday provided a much-needed moment of newsroom zen.
I hope they don't correct this. #josebiden MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Br… https://t.co/38PJdJu0qU— Lauren Villagran (@Lauren Villagran) 1608079408
It could have been the 78-year-old’s love of tacos or his penchant for Luis Fonsi tunes that fueled the innocuous mistake. Maybe it was Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, recently validating his future counterpart’s pro-immigrant stance.
Whatever the case, Twitter users responded swiftly with a barrage of muy chistoso memes.
Composites showing the presidente electo donning a sombrero were at the viral frontline
El primero El Presidente del patricio, Jose Biden! Viva El Presidente! https://t.co/zgiOxmLiLG— Mr_Scorpio (@Mr_Scorpio) 1608152445
Immediately, speculation arose around Jose’s possible cabinet picks
Congrats on the win Jose Biden Here he is at his first cabinet meeting https://t.co/OOoLuPc5O4 https://t.co/ht7jcTp3oM— Carlos (@Carlos) 1608151480
… and his transition team
Exclusive images of Joe Biden working on his transition to Señor José Biden https://t.co/khZzS8fphY— Laura Martínez ® (@Laura Martínez ®) 1608136600
Some conspiracists drew a straight line to Donaldo Trump
#josebiden This has trump written all over it 🥴🥴🥴 https://t.co/H555B6PECj— craig (@craig) 1608155134
While others suggested the beginning a new birther conspiracy
20 bucks that this sparks a new #birther movement that says Joe Biden was born Jose Biden and is secretly a Mexican… https://t.co/kPUyre6fBO— New Year, New War Criminal Elmo 🥞🥂🏳️🌈 (@New Year, New War Criminal Elmo 🥞🥂🏳️🌈) 1608136908
This user called for redrafted campaign promises
Okay, since Jose Biden won, will we FINALLY get taco trucks on every corner?— General William T. Sherman (@General William T. Sherman) 1608162728
Meanwhile, Biden’s veep Kamala Harris was reborn as “Karmela”
Yo amo a Jose Biden y Karmela https://t.co/bDMCVyCMm9— Trump lost , he is just taking your $ (@Trump lost , he is just taking your $) 1608148517
Señor Biden: Tear down this wall!
The hashtag #NoMásMalarkey popped up, alluding to one of Biden’s famous phrases
Could this be a coded message to Nancy Pelosi?
@davidshepardson "Me casa blanca es su casa blanca" -Jose Biden— Wignut (@Wignut) 1608153080
Some defended the move
@Julie_Brassell Jose is Joe in Spanish. So, they weren't wrong. 🤷🏾♂️— Raoul Zubia (@Raoul Zubia) 1608153595
Still, it’s clear #JoséBiden is here to stay
#ElPRESIDENTE #JoseBiden #NoMasMalarkey #adiostrump https://t.co/ZKOqBH3DbS— Serene (@Serene) 1608155974