President Joe Biden introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” in a brutal gaffe at a NATO summit with his political future hanging in the balance.
The 81-year-old, who is facing growing calls to drop out of the presidential race, said: “Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.”
The huge blunder in front of world leaders caused gasps and those in the room had to shout out the correct name.
“No, we are going to beat Putin,” Biden said.
His gaffe came in front of global allies who had joined him for the announcement and shortly before his pivotal news conference, where his performance will determine whether he remains the Democratic presidential nominee.
President Joe Biden on Thursday called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Vladimir Putin’s name
Biden had announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot missile system to bolster its air defenses against Russian airstrikes, when he made his gaffe.
“And now I want to turn the floor over to the president of Ukraine, who has both courage and determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” Biden said.
He walked away from the podium and then heard the shouts of those calling him “Zelensky.”
“President Putin? We are going to defeat President Putin. President Zelensky! I am very focused on defeating Putin. We have to worry about that, anyway, Mr. President,” he said.
“I’m feeling better,” Zelensky said.
“You’re much better,” Biden replied.
President Biden called Zelensky by the name of the Russian president: Vladimir Putin (above)
Biden’s gaffe came shortly before his first solo news conference in nine months, when the eyes of the world will be on him as he faces mounting pressure from Democrats to drop out of the presidential race.
Dubbed the “big boy” press conference, the pressure is on the president to prove he can handle an unexpected moment without making a major mistake.
But this serious mistake does not bode well for the president, who has not been able to calm the wave of criticism against him.
In the two weeks since the first presidential debate, Biden has been unable to reassure Democrats that he is capable of defeating Donald Trump in November. In fact, fears are growing that he will sweep away the Democratic candidates.