Biden's Slip: Referring to 'Mitterrand from Germany' – Remembering the French President of 1996
In a recent public-speaking mishap, Joe Biden mistakenly referred to French President Emmanuel Macron as "Mitterrand from Germany," confusing him with a predecessor who passed away over two decades ago. The slip-up occurred during a speech to hospitality workers in Las Vegas ahead of Nevada's primary.
During the anecdote about a G7 summit in June 2021, Biden recounted how he declared "America is back," prompting a response from "Mitterrand from Germany" before correcting himself to "from France." This, however, wasn't the end of the confusion as Biden then broadened the conversation to the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol in Washington DC.
The White House later amended the remarks, replacing "Mitterrand" with "Macron." Macron, elected in 2017 at the age of 39, is notably France's youngest head of state since Napoleon. Biden, on the other hand, holds the distinction of being the oldest sitting US president.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s national security council, took a jab at Biden's gaffe, humorously noting the world's predicament with the "main owner of the nuclear codes" conversing with a deceased French president.
Biden's subdued approach to engaging with the public contrasts with his earlier actions, notably refraining from addressing the nation from the Oval Office after a military operation in Iraq and Syria following the deaths of three US soldiers in Jordan. Despite significant events, Biden appears to be shying away from the national spotlight, as evidenced by his speech to a relatively small crowd in Las Vegas.
In a departure from tradition established by his predecessor Barack Obama, President Joe Biden declined the offer of a pre-Super Bowl presidential interview, a coveted slot on one of the most watched American TV broadcasts of the year. This decision has sparked criticism from Republican opponents who argue that Biden is not adequately countering perceptions of being too old or disengaged for the job, while some Democrats believe he should take a more proactive stance.
Will Marshall, president of the Democratic think tank Progressive Policy Institute, emphasized the importance of Biden making his case and seizing opportunities to address pressing issues such as the economy and immigration. However, this latest decision adds to a series of high-profile speaking errors by the president.
Biden, known for his self-deprecating humor, has previously referred to himself as a "gaffe machine." In June, he sparked controversy by dubbing Chinese leader Xi Jinping a "dictator" at a fundraiser in California, drawing ire from Beijing and straining diplomatic relations. Additionally, he confused the ongoing war in Ukraine with the concluded Iraq War, erroneously stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "clearly losing the war in Iraq.
Notably, Biden's chief political opponent, former President Donald Trump, also stumbled recently by mistaking presidential candidate Nikki Haley for Nancy Pelosi during discussions about the Jan 6 attack. Biden later mocked Trump for the gaffe, highlighting a rare moment of bipartisan amusement amid the political fray.
In conclusion, President Joe Biden's decision to reject a pre-Super Bowl presidential interview marks a departure from tradition and has drawn both criticism and concern from political opponents and allies alike. While Republicans argue that Biden's avoidance of high-profile appearances reflects a lack of readiness for the job, some Democrats believe he should take a more assertive stance to counter such perceptions. Biden's recent string of speaking errors adds fuel to these concerns, with past gaffes including misidentifying foreign leaders and conflating historical events. Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, Biden's ability to navigate political missteps and maintain a degree of self-awareness, as seen in his response to Donald Trump's own gaffe, suggests a level of resilience in the face of criticism. As the Biden administration continues to navigate complex political terrain, the president's approach to public appearances and messaging will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny.
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