President Joe Biden made a significant verbal misstep at a NATO conference on Thursday, mistakenly introducing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as ‘President Putin.’ This blunder occurred as Biden is facing increasing pressure from within his own party to withdraw from the presidential race.
During the conference in Washington, D.C., Biden was introducing Zelenskyy, stating, “And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination.” He then began to leave the podium, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.”
Recognizing his mistake, Biden attempted to quickly correct himself, saying, “He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy. I’m so focused on beating Putin. We got to worry about it. Anyway, Mr. President.”
Zelenskyy, appearing on stage, shook Biden’s hand and remarked, “I’m better.” Biden responded, “You are a hell of a lot better.”
This incident marks Biden’s first public appearance since his widely criticized debate performance, which has caused a stir within the Democratic party leading up to the November presidential election.
