President Biden appeared to read stage directions from a teleprompter during a speech at a trade union conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, sparking amusement and criticism. While delivering remarks, Biden seemed to incorporate script instructions into his speech, resulting in an awkward applause line. The incident came during a section of his remarks that resembled a campaign stump speech.
Biden, reading off the teleprompter, stated, ‘I see an America where we defend democracy, not diminish it. I see an America where we protect freedoms, not take them away.’ He continued, ‘I see an economy that grows a lot in the bottom up where the wealthy pay their fair share.’
However, Biden appeared to read a stage direction when he said, ‘Four more years, pause,’ before laughing. The moment drew laughter from the audience and became the subject of scrutiny online, where commentators questioned whether Biden was experiencing cognitive decline.
The teleprompter mix-up was not the first gaffe by Biden in recent times. On Tuesday, Biden mistakenly said he and his party ‘can’t be trusted’ while speaking at a Florida campaign rally focused on abortion. After his comment, audience members could be heard laughing, but Biden seemed oblivious to his error.
Biden’s critics on social media seized on the gaffe, expressing surprise at finding themselves agreeing with the president’s assessment of his trustworthiness. The incident has added to the ongoing concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities, with some commentators questioning his fitness for office.
