President Joe Biden’s recent press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto has sparked new concerns about his fitness for office. At 81 years old, Biden once again showed signs of confusion and irritation, leading many to question his ability to lead the nation. Frankly, it’s an embarrassment.
During the 32-minute event, Biden made several notable errors, including mistakenly referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as “President Kamala Harris” for at least the eighth time. This slip-up, along with other moments of apparent confusion, has fueled worries about his mental sharpness.
“Our nation’s first black vice president, President Kamala Harris” 🧐 pic.twitter.com/sLjw0eFHsM
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 23, 2024
The incident began when Michael Wilner of the McClatchy newspaper chain, one of only two U.S. journalists allowed to ask questions, attempted to ask two questions. Biden immediately pushed back, saying, “No, one!”
Biden calls on a reporter from a pre-selected list at his “press conference,” then tells the reporter he can only ask one question pic.twitter.com/vYwZw43xjq
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 23, 2024
Initially, the audience chuckled, thinking it was a joke, but it soon became clear that Biden was serious. Wilner’s first question was about US-supported peacekeeping efforts in Haiti, which Kenya is contributing troops to. When Wilner attempted to ask a second question about a pending arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Biden cut him off, insisting on only one question.
Despite Biden’s resistance, Wilner persisted and asked about the ICC prosecutor’s allegations against Israeli leaders regarding the use of starvation as a war tactic in Gaza. Biden responded curtly, expressing frustration with reporters who “never keep the deal” and reaffirming the U.S. stance against recognizing the ICC’s jurisdiction in this matter.
Throughout the press conference, Biden displayed signs of confusion. At one point, he incorrectly claimed that American troops were serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a deployment that is not publicly known. He also lost his train of thought when addressing another reporter, asking, “What was my question?”
These repeated instances of confusion have raised serious concerns among voters. A New York Times/Siena College poll released in March found that 73% of registered voters believe Biden is “too old to be an effective president.” In contrast, only 42% felt the same way about former President Donald Trump, who is 77 years old.
BIDEN (confused): “Okay, next, I, uh — do I ask the next question, as well?” pic.twitter.com/CpytlfIfVl
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 23, 2024
Biden’s performance at the press conference comes at a critical time as he prepares for a potential rematch against Trump in the upcoming election. Many voters are worried that if Biden were to serve another four-year term, he would be 86 by the time it ends. This has led to increasing calls from Republicans for the President to address these concerns directly and prove his capability to lead.
Biden’s recent press conference with President Ruto has highlighted ongoing concerns about his age and mental fitness. As the nation heads towards the 2024 election, these issues are likely to remain in the spotlight, with many voters questioning whether Biden is the right choice to continue leading the country.
Biden even seemed to forget where he was at one moment- watch:
BIDEN (confused): “WHOA!”
KJP: “This concludes the press conference. Thanks, everybody. Thanks you, everybody. This concludes the press conference. Thank you. Thanks, everybody.”
*shuffles away* pic.twitter.com/2krj3KRXp7
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 23, 2024
