President Joe Biden introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as ‘President Putin’ in a brutal gaffe at the NATO summit with his political future hanging by a thread.
The 81-year-old facing mounting calls to drop out of the presidential race said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.’
The major flub in front of world leaders sparked gasps and those in the room had to shout the correct name.
‘No, we’re going to beat Putin,’ Biden said.
His gaffe came in front of world allies who had joined him for the announcement and shortly before his make-or-break press conference, where his performance will determine whether he remains the Democratic nominee for president.
President Joe Biden on Thursday called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by the name of Vladimir Putin
Biden had announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot missile system to bolster its air defenses against the Russian airstrikes when he made his gaffe.
‘And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,’ Biden said.
He turned away from the podium and then heard the shouts from those calling ‘Zelensky’ at him.
‘President Putin? We’re gonna beat President Putin. President Zelensky! I’m so focused on beating Putin. We got to worry about it — anyway, Mr. President,’ he said.
‘I’m better,’ Zelensky said.
‘You are a helluva lot better,’ Biden replied.
President Biden called Zelensky by the name of the Russian president: Vladimir Putin (above)
Biden’s error dropped shortly before his first solo press conference in nine months when the eyes of the world will be upon him as he faces increasing pressure from Democrats to drop out of the presidential race.
Nicknamed a ‘big boy’ press conference, the pressure is on the president to show he can handle an unscripted moment without a major error.
But the major gaffe does not bode well for the president who has not been able to quell the tide of criticism against him.
In the two weeks since the first president debate, Biden has not been able to reassure Democrats he is capable of defeating Donald Trump in November. In fact, fears are growing he will take down Democratic candidates with him.
