In another misstep amid worries about his re-election campaign, President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during a speech today.
“And now I’d like to introduce the president of Ukraine, who possesses as much courage as determination—ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” he stated, mistakenly addressing Zelenskyy during the NATO Summit in Washington.
Zelenskyy appeared taken aback, then was observed shaking his head and smiling to himself.
Biden is Blunder King 😂
Watch Zelensky's reaction when Biden calls him Putin! pic.twitter.com/SlGVFBB9ze
— BALA (@erbmjha) July 12, 2024
Biden, 81, quickly corrected himself, stating, “President Putin, you’re going to beat President Putin, President Zelenskyy. I’m very focused on defeating Putin.” Zelenskyy, having regained his composure, replied, “I am better than Putin.”
“You’re much better,” Biden responded before Zelenskyy started his speech. Shortly after, Biden made another mistake by calling his deputy, Kamala Harris, “Vice President Trump” during a high-stakes news conference.
Oh MY GOD.
Now Biden has just referred to Vice president Kamala Harris as VICE PRESIDENT TRUMP.
What the fuck is going on?!
This is actually painful to watch.pic.twitter.com/fHYKtk95BF
— Supertanskiii (@supertanskiii) July 11, 2024
“Honestly, I wouldn’t have chosen Vice President Trump to be vice president if she weren’t qualified to be president. So let’s start with that,” he said in response to a journalist’s question about his confidence in Kamala Harris, who is of Indian descent.
The recent missteps come as demands for Biden, the oldest person to hold the office of US president, to step aside are increasing. These calls have intensified following his lackluster performance against Donald Trump, 78, in a presidential debate two weeks ago. Even some members of his own Democratic Party are worried about his chances in the November 5 election.
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