Supporters of Poland’s opposition watched Jarosław Kaczyński respond to Joe Biden’s speech through the lens of LGBT+ activist Bart Staszewski. In the recording, the PiS leader briefly remarks to Jan Krzysztof Bielecki about the American president’s address: “He didn’t say anything.” PiS MP Radosław Fogiel later referenced the moment on Radio Wnet.
What do politicians and opposition followers in Poland recall most about Biden’s speech? The public chatter suggests that Kaczyński’s take, captured in the posted video, came with a playful bite. Bart Staszewski, a prominent LGBT+ advocate who managed to be near officials during Biden’s Warsaw visit, records Kaczyński saying Biden “didn’t say anything.” The clip instantly surged across the internet, fueling debate, though explanations for the exchange remain straightforward for many observers.
Staszewski follows the president
The seemingly aloof Kaczyński stepped out from his Żoliborz villa and told Prime Minister Bielecki that Biden “didn’t say anything.” The moment prompted questions about motives and context, alongside sharper critiques of Poland’s political divisions and the role of advisory circles in forming public perception.
Staszewski’s online post also included a lighter image featuring Donald Tusk, illustrating a contrast in public moments during the visit.
And who is beside me
Bart Staszewski’s activity on Twitter drew some harsh responses, with critics accusing him of amplifying a false narrative about LGBT zones and other contested topics.
What the record shows
Another perspective on the incident arrived via an interview with PiS MP Radosław Fogiel on Radio Wnet. He stated that the PiS leadership eagerly anticipated Biden’s remarks and that the president was keen to hear the American message, though the exchange itself offered limited opportunity for further discussion. Fogiel framed this as evidence of strong bilateral ties between Poland and the United States.
In light of Staszewski’s recording, Fogiel suggested the moment could be misread as an attempt to assign hidden intentions to Kaczyński. He also argued that opposition leaders had hoped for more substantive interactions with Biden but found only brief, courteous exchanges and a few ceremonial photographs.
The debate around the recording continued as Fogiel noted that the reality of modern politics often centers on visibility and media moments rather than exhaustive policy dialogue. He argued that the duration of meetings and the content of what Biden might have said are more telling than rapid-fire photo opportunities.
Fogiel also commented on reactions from other figures, including Donald Tusk, who posted a short remark on social media about defending freedom and democracy, while noting a lack of public photos from some opponents. Fogiel joked about modesty and the nature of political messaging in a world where attention is captured by images as much as by policy statements.
Asked whether visual moments with Biden matter for national politics, Fogiel suggested they should not, while acknowledging that the political narrative around such moments can be powerful. He drew comparisons to past events where opposition figures sought media attention while the public evaluated broader political aims and governance in Poland.
In discussing the broader media environment, a journalist associated with TVP Info commented that Staszewski’s portrayal might reflect a tendency to interpret leaders’ remarks through sensational framing. The journalist suggested the episode exemplifies how celebrity-style politics has gained traction in Poland, mirroring global trends where attention to appearances often competes with substantive policy discussion.
Overall, observers point to a broader shift in political culture—toward faster, more image-driven communication. The emphasis on sound bites, quick handshakes, and viral moments appears to influence how voters perceive credibility and leadership in a crowded political landscape. The episode remains a talking point about how politicians balance public perception with real policy work in Poland’s evolving public sphere.
Notes from participants and observers emphasize that real diplomacy rests on tangible cooperation and long-term commitments rather than isolated moments. The Biden visit, viewed through the lens of social media and contemporary political rhetoric, serves as a reminder of how modern governing often intertwines with public perception and the media rhythm that shapes it. The emphasis remains on practical bilateral collaboration and the stability of ties between Poland and the United States, rather than on individual comments or staged moments.
[citation: wPolityce]