Biden introduces Zelensky as ‘President Putin’ at NATO summit

Joe Biden has mistakenly introduced Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” in a new gaffe, further increasing concerns about his mental fitness ahead of the November presidential election.

The gaffe was made during a signing ceremony on the final day of a NATO summit in Washington on Thursday.

“Now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination,” Biden said at the end of his opening remarks.

“Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin!” he said, naming the Russian leader whose country has been engaged in a war with Ukraine since 2022.

While some leaders started clapping and others remained motionless and seemingly shocked, Biden returned to the microphone to acknowledge his mistake, saying, “President Putin! We’re going to beat President Putin. President Zelensky. I’m so focused on beating Putin. We’ve got to worry about it. Anyway, Mr President.”

That took place just an hour before a rare press conference by Biden that has been called “make-or-break” for his campaign, as a growing number of political allies and donors have been urging the 81-year-old to exit the presidential race after his poor debate performance against his 78-year-old rival, former President Donald Trump.

Shortly afterward, President Biden made yet another error when he referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as "Vice President Trump" during a news conference.

"Look, I wouldn't have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if she was not qualified to be president. So start there," he said in response to a journalist's question about his confidence in Harris.

Following the June 27 debate, some Democrats expressed grave concerns about the incumbent president’s mental sharpness and endurance at such an advanced age.

There is a growing effort within the Democrat Party to convince Biden to quit, as critics caution that he is very likely to lose and could negatively impact other Democrats.

During a 22-minute interview with ABC News, Biden once again argued that he simply had a bad night at the debate but was otherwise fine.

“It was a bad episode. No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted. I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing and – and a bad night,” he said.

Biden also dismissed polls that showed him trailing his arch-rival Trump, claiming that other polls have him in a better position.

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