US President Joe Biden made several notable slip-ups during a press conference at the NATO summit, raising concerns about his mental health and fitness for re-election. One of the most talked-about incidents was when Biden mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'President Putin.' Biden quickly corrected himself, attributing the mistake to his intense focus on defeating the Russian leader.
This error was not an isolated incident. During the same event, Biden also mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as 'Vice President Trump.' These repeated gaffes have intensified scrutiny over his cognitive abilities, especially given his age of 81. Biden has stated that he has no health or cognitive issues but is willing to undergo further medical tests if necessary.
The slip-ups have fueled calls for Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, even from within his own party. More than ten Democratic members of the House of Representatives have publicly requested his resignation, and a new opinion poll indicates that over half of American Democrats believe he should end his re-election campaign. Former President Obama has also reportedly expressed concerns about Biden's chances of re-election.
Adding to the pressure, the Republican-led US House of Representatives Oversight Committee has summoned senior White House aides to testify about Biden's health. This investigation could extend until the November 2024 elections, further complicating Biden's campaign.
Despite the mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, Biden remains resolute in his decision to continue his campaign. He emphasized the need to keep moving forward and stated that he is the best candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.