First lady Jill Biden will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will head a contingent to the closing event, the White House said Friday.
The Games will be held July 26 to Aug. 11. It’s common for U.S. administrations and other countries to send dignitaries to the event.
The opening will include a parade of athletes and torch lighting.
Mrs. Biden will be in the French capital while her husband fights for his political future. Some Democrats say President Biden should step aside and let Vice President Kamala Harris or an alternative lead the ticket after his incoherent debate performance last month.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Democrat, will attend the opening ceremonies of the Paralympics, which feature athletes with disabilities, on Aug. 28, also in Paris. Ms. Duckworth lost both her legs during combat in the Iraq War.
Health and Human Service Secretary Xavier Becerra will be at the closing festivities Sept. 8.
The White House said individual members of the four delegations will be announced later.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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