President Biden recently expressed frustration and confusion during a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto, where he mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as the President, among other errors. When a journalist tried to ask a second question, Biden initially refused before eventually allowing it. The White House press office generally has some idea of what a journalist will ask, but journalists sometimes defy restrictions and ask multiple questions.
The journalist, Michael Wilner, asked about US-supported peacekeeping efforts in Haiti and a pending arrest warrant application against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also inquired about US evidence regarding allegations against Israeli leaders for using starvation as a tactic of war in Gaza and whether this information would be released before any potential arrest warrants were issued. Biden expressed frustration at reporters not “keeping the deal” and reiterated the US stance on the International Criminal Court.
During the press conference, Biden exhibited confusion and made errors, such as referring to Kamala Harris as President and incorrectly stating that US troops were engaged in the Democratic Republic of Congo when they were not publicly known to be deployed there. At one point, Biden even asked a reporter what the question was, showing a lack of focus. Despite these issues, the press conference continued, and additional questions were asked to both Biden and Ruto.
Biden’s performance at the press conference has drawn attention for his apparent confusion and frustration, as well as his comments on various topics, including the US stance on the International Criminal Court and the situation in Gaza. These stumbles come as a majority of voters believe Biden is too old to serve another four-year term, with concerns about his age increasing ahead of a potential rematch with former President Donald Trump. A poll found that 73% of registered voters believe Biden is too old to be an effective president.
Overall, President Biden’s joint press conference with Kenyan President Ruto was marked by moments of confusion, frustration, and criticism from both the press corps and the public. Biden’s struggles to keep track of questions, his errors in referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, and his contentious interactions with journalists have led to concerns about his ability to effectively serve as President, especially considering his age. As the 2022 midterm elections approach, these issues are likely to continue to be a topic of debate and discussion among voters and political commentators.
