Biden mistakenly refers to Zelensky as 'President Putin' at NATO event
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks after the US Supreme Court ruled on former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's bid for immunity from federal prosecution for 2020 election subversion, at the White House in Washington. Photo: Reuters
President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” during a NATO event in Washington on Thursday, triggering gasps in the room and raising further concerns about his mental acuity as he faces calls to withdraw from the presidential election.
Introducing Zelensky, Biden referred to him as “President Putin,” the Russian leader who has been waging a war against Ukraine since 2022. Biden quickly corrected himself, saying, "I'm so focused on beating Putin" and adding, “you are a hell of a lot better.” Zelensky responded with a joke, saying, “I’m better [than Putin].”
The timing of Biden’s verbal miscue is highly problematic, as a growing number of Democrats urge him to withdraw from the race due to mounting concerns about his mental sharpness and chances of defeating former President Donald Trump. Biden, 81, has firmly rejected these calls, stating this week that he is “firmly committed” to running for reelection.
An increasing number of Biden supporters believe the president should drop out, according to an ABC News/Ipsos/Washington Post poll. Trump leads Biden in most national surveys taken after their debate in late June, when Biden's repeated verbal stumbles drew significant scrutiny.
Despite the growing pressure, Biden has vowed to continue his campaign, insisting he is the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump in the November election.