Biden Introduced Ukrainian President Zelenskyy As “President Putin” But Zelenskyy's Response Was Iconic
"I'm better."
In another verbal gaffe, US president Joe Biden mistakenly introduced Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin,” his Russian adversary.
While addressing a NATO summit in Washington on Thursday, July 12, 81-year-old Biden said, “And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination, ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.”
Realizing his error after stepping away from the podium, Biden swiftly returned to correct himself, saying, "President Putin! We are going to beat President Putin. President Zelensky – I’m so focused on beating Putin, we gotta worry about it.”
Zelenskyy appeared surprised for a split second before taking the podium. but responded to the introductory error with a lighthearted remark.
“I’m better,” he said.
“You are a hell of a lot better,” Biden replied.
The US president’s latest blunder drew gasps from the crowd and allied world leaders, raising concerns about Biden’s capability to lead the country and his re-election bid for the upcoming Nov 5 elections.
Later, in a press conference held about 90 minutes after the initial incident, Biden incorrectly referred to US vice president Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
Biden has been facing considerable pressure to suspend his re-election campaign and pave the way for a younger candidate.
However, speaking at the end of the NATO summit, Biden insisted that he would run for another term and dismissed concerns about his health and age.
NATO members concluded the conference in Washington with a pledge to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022.
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Kassy Cho
Selina Wu
