Eric Thompson Show
In response to the first question in his solo press conference after the NATO summit, President Biden mistakenly referred Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump”.
This gaffe, along with others committed by the 81 year old declining world leader, ignited a fresh wave of criticism and mockery from Trump and his supporters.
President Trump wasted no time in turning it into a political weapon.
“He doesn’t know what the hell he’s saying,” Trump quipped during a rally later that evening. “Can you imagine if I had said something like that?”
Trump’s remarks were delivered with his characteristic flair for the dramatic, drawing laughter and applause from his audience. “Biden’s confused, disoriented – he doesn’t know who he’s working with,” Trump continued. “It’s a sad situation.”
The incident has added to a series of public gaffes by Biden that critics argue raise questions about his mental acuity.
JOE BIDEN: “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.”
JOE BIDEN: "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." pic.twitter.com/91Rw2B25GR
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) July 11, 2024
These blunders have become a focal point for Trump and other conservative figures, who use them to bolster their argument that Biden is unfit for office.
As Biden was preparing to leave the stage he was asked about his blunder:
“Right now Donald Trump is using that to mock your age and your memory, how do you combat that criticism from tonight?”
Wow. A reporter points out how Biden called Kamala "Vice President Trump" and how Trump is already capitalizing on the mistake.
Biden smiles and says "Listen to him." pic.twitter.com/08TILZCEJM
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 12, 2024
Biden responded with a smile, saying “Listen to him,” and walked off stage as reporters tried to ask him more questions.
According to The New York Post, Trump elaborated on his critique by stating, “It’s no surprise to me that Biden would mix up names like that. He’s been getting worse, not better.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment among many of Trump’s supporters, who view Biden’s frequent slip-ups as evidence of cognitive decline.
The Hill highlighted that Trump’s attack on Biden did not stop at the rally. He also took to social media, posting a video clip of the gaffe with a caption that read, “Sleepy Joe can’t even remember his own Vice President’s name! Sad!” This post quickly gained traction, racking up millions of views and sparking widespread discussion online.
This incident underscores a broader narrative about Biden’s competency. It is seen as yet another indication that the current administration is struggling with basic tasks. Trump’s criticism aligns with his broader strategy of portraying himself as more capable and vigorous compared to Biden.
The Post Millennial reported that Trump’s jabs were not limited to Biden alone. He also took aim at Harris, questioning her qualifications and capabilities. “Kamala Harris is not ready to be president, and Joe Biden is not fit to be president,” Trump declared. “This administration is a disaster from top to bottom.”
This latest gaffe by Biden is reminiscent of previous moments where he has stumbled over names and titles, further fueling the argument made by his detractors. The ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s verbal missteps reflects a significant aspect of the current political climate, where every word and action by a sitting president is intensely examined and often weaponized by opponents.
In the midst of this controversy, Biden’s supporters have attempted to downplay the significance of the gaffe, framing it as a simple slip of the tongue that could happen to anyone. However, the frequency of such incidents provides ample ammunition for critics like Trump, who are eager to use them to their political advantage.
The conservative critique of Biden’s presidency often revolves around a perceived lack of leadership and coherence. This incident serves as a vivid illustration of these concerns. For Trump and his allies, Biden’s mix-up is more than just a momentary lapse; it is emblematic of deeper issues within the administration.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, moments like these are likely to play a significant role in shaping public perception. Trump’s ability to capitalize on Biden’s errors underscores his ongoing influence in the political arena and his knack for leveraging media coverage to his advantage.
