During a very embarrassing and random incident at a press briefing in Wilmington, Delaware, President Joe Biden was supposed to introduce Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a summit of “The Quad,” a Pacific military partnership that consists of America, Australia, India, and Japan, with an eye toward combatting China’s rise.
During the press conference introduction phase, President Biden appeared to be confused as to what was going on and lost track of events, appearing to think that he was waiting for a question from reporters while he was supposed to introduce Prime Minister Narendra Modi. then, after a lengthy and uncomfortable pause, an announcer introduced Modi.
President Biden, making the awkward gaffe at the event, said, “I want to thank you all for being here. Now, who am I introducing next?” He then shouted, “Who’s next?” That, in turn, led to an awkward few seconds of deafening silence. Only after the moment had built into an incredibly awkward one did the announcer do what Biden had been supposed to and introduce the Indian Prime Minister.
As might be expected, the incident led to quite the outcry online, with many on the right taking the opportunity to note that America is in a dangerously weak spot right now. For example, conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman wrote, “We really don’t have a president. Biden completely FORGOT he was at a press conference with the Prime Minister of India. The entire world is laughing at us. This guy is COOKED.”
Another X (formerly Twitter) personality, Billboard Chris, wrote, “The elder abuse continues. Joe Biden forgot what he was doing and shouted “Who’s next?” Sir, his name is Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.” Yet another said, “Who’s Next: Who’s Next? Joe Biden forgets who he’s supposed to introduce at a ceremony for the PM of India! Biden continues to embarrass our Nation and encourages our enemies. The World knows he’s weak.”
Still another commenter on X wrote, “Joe Biden has a teleprompter and still says ‘Who am I introducing next…who’s next’ because he has no idea where he is, what he’s doing or what he’s supposed to say. And the media doesn’t care that he’s completely gone mentally and hasn’t resigned.”
Watch the incident here:
The Biden White House, describing “The Quad,” wrote, “The Quad was established to be a global force for good. This year, the Quad is proudly executing tangible projects that benefit partner countries across the Indo-Pacific—including in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region. The Quad is working together at unprecedented scope and scale to deliver on Indo-Pacific partners’ priorities.”
It continued, “Together, the Quad is leading ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease; respond to natural disasters; strengthen their maritime domain awareness and maritime security; mobilize and build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure; invest in and benefit from critical and emerging technologies; confront the threat of climate change; bolster cyber security; and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video
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