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New York, United States of America (USA)
Volodymyr Zelensky (L), Joe Biden (C) and Keir Starmer (R) pose for a group photo at an event concerning the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine at the United Nations on September 25, 2024 in New York. (Reuters)
Biden confuses New York for Washington while addressing world leaders
In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden experienced a moment of confusion during a speech at a New York hotel on Wednesday, where he mistakenly welcomed world leaders to “Washington.”
This blunder comes as the outgoing US president has faced scrutiny over his mental and physical fitness for office. In his Manhattan address, Biden expressed gratitude to the leaders gathered for the annual UN General Assembly, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Welcome to Washington.”
Without acknowledging his error, he continued with his remarks and reaffirmed US support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has waged war on Ukraine for 944 days.
Series of gaffes
The event was scheduled to coincide with the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which Biden addressed on Tuesday. During the Wednesday gathering, Biden spoke ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a notable blunder, Biden referred to Zelenskyy simply as “Mr. President,” neglecting to use his surname.
This comes on the heels of a misstep at the NATO summit in July, where Biden mistakenly introduced Zelensky as “President Putin.” Just hours earlier, he had called Vice President Kamala Harris “Vice President Trump.” Following Biden’s remarks, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the gathering in person, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke via video feed, the New York Post reported.
At 81, Biden is the oldest president in US history. He suspended his campaign for a second term on July 21 after a challenging debate against former President Donald Trump, 78, on June 27. During that debate, Biden appeared confused and made several incoherent statements, including one about “finally beating Medicare.”
US House Speaker Mike Johnson said in July, “If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign immediately.” Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez also expressed concerns about Biden’s health and decision-making abilities, emphasizing that “Americans deserve to feel their president is fit enough to do the job.” Biden’s current term ends on Jan. 20.
