President Joe Biden attended a black-tie event at the White House on Tuesday in honor of the National Governors Association Winter Meeting. However, his recent tendency for confusion and rambling speeches seemed to be on display once again.
In his speech to the governors, Biden urged for unity and working together to get things done, referencing a quote from “the man behind me here.” However, he struggled to recall the exact words and instead attempted to quote Abraham Lincoln’s “better angels of our nature” remark.
“The better angels –” Biden said, stumbling over his words. “We must address counsel — and adjust the better angels of our nature.” His attempt at quoting Lincoln did not go over well, leading some to question whether he had forgotten the former president’s name.
Biden completely malfunctions as he tries — and fails miserably — to read a quote from “the man behind me here” pic.twitter.com/anLx6NEAPx
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 25, 2024
In actuality, the quote from Lincoln reads, “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.” It continues, “The mystic chords of memory…will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
Biden then went on to counsel for unity, saying, “We’re not enemies, but we’re friends…We must not be enemies.” However, this message seems contradictory to his recent actions and words, including demonizing half the country as potential extremists and allowing his DOJ to prosecute his political opponent.
The president also made a glaring error when referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping as “the head of Russia.” He quickly corrected himself, but the mistake raised questions about Biden’s in-depth knowledge of foreign leaders and countries.
“I was told to get to know Xi Jinping because it was clear he was going to be the head of Russia – of – of China,” Biden said, stumbling over his words again. “We were having problems with Russia at the time and other countries as well.”
Biden again claims he “traveled 17,000 miles” with China’s Xi Jinping, who he calls the “head of Russia.”
“This has been documented and it’s real!”
(It isn’t — the story has been repeatedly debunked) pic.twitter.com/jZs07iC4hv
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 25, 2024
This story has been previously debunked by the Washington Post, which gave Biden’s claim three Pinocchios. The Post pointed out that Biden had in fact traveled with then-President Barack Obama to Moscow, where they met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meaning Biden could not have been told to get to know Xi because of problems with Russia.
After his speech, Biden appeared confused and waited for a moment, asking, “I’m right here?” It is unclear if his handlers were supposed to come out and direct him, but their absence adds to the narrative of Biden’s lack of control and confusion in public appearances.
Unfortunately, images like these going out to the rest of the world have led to mockery and emboldening of bad actors. Italy, among other countries, has already produced skits mocking the president’s frequent blunders and weakness. The chaos and uncertainty in the world could be attributed to these perceptions of the American leader.
As far as the American public is concerned, the president’s cognitive abilities and memory lapses have become a topic of concern and scrutiny. His team has repeatedly stated that Biden is healthy and has passed all cognitive tests, but his recent string of verbal gaffes has raised doubts among both supporters and critics.
It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address these concerns and if the president’s team will take steps to improve his public appearances and speeches. As the leader of the free world, it is crucial for the president to project strength, confidence, and coherence, especially in the face of growing challenges and crises at home and abroad.
