What’s in name, one may ask. A lot. Especially if one confuses the heads of state who are at war with each other.
But that is what President Joe Biden did when he introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin,” per Politico.
The mistaken introduction occurred at the NATO summit in a ceremony marking the signing of a security agreement for Ukraine.
Biden spoke about NATO’s enduring support for Ukraine. He pledged security guarantees from Western countries after the end of the war in Ukraine.
The president then introduced Zelenskyy, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.”
The gaffe left audience members unsure of what to do — some clapped as others did nothing.
Biden corrected himself and attempted to joke about his mistake.
“I’m so focused on beating Putin. We gotta worry about it. Anyway…,” Biden said.
“I’m better,” Zelenskyy replied.
“You’re a hell of a lot better,” Biden said.
Many have questioned Biden’s mental acuity after gaffes such as this one along with his poor performance at the presidential debate June 27.
This was seen as an important moment for Biden to show his strength as a leader and prove that he can continueas president.
At a recent press conference, Biden confused Vice President Kamala Harris with former President Donald Trump.
That time he didn’t correct his error.
“I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if she wasn’t qualified to be president,” Biden said.
Biden addressed his mistake with Zelenskyy.
“How many times did you hear in that conference — I know it sounds too self-serving — but other leaders, heads of state in thanking me, saying ‘The reason we’re together is because of Biden,’” he said.
“I thought it was the most successful conference I have attended in a long time and find me a world leader who didn’t think it was,” Biden said.
French President Emmanuel Macron downplayed Biden’s mistake after the ceremony.
“Everyone makes slips of the tongue — it could happen to me tomorrow,” he said.
“I had a long conversation with Joe Biden,” Macron added. “I saw an experienced president, whose attachment to Europe is exemplary. France, Europe, Ukraine are lucky to have such a committed president.”
Some Republicans were quick to point out the mistake.
“Just the latest example of Biden being totally unfit for the job,” Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Ala.) wrote in a post on X.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), on the other hand,
blamed the media for spotlightine Biden’s mistakes.
“The media is carefully monitoring the president’s every word for every hint of aging, and every gaffe, no matter how benign, serves to further entrench an already entrenched narrative,” Torres said. “That’s the problem.”
