Joe Biden faced renewed scrutiny this weekend after a confusing moment during a press conference in Wilmington, Delaware, where he struggled to remember which world leader he was supposed to introduce.

The incident took place during a two-day summit with the Quad Alliance, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, focused on countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

At the press event, Biden was expected to introduce India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi but appeared unsure of the proceedings.

After concluding his remarks, Biden paused and asked, “Now, who am I introducing next? Who’s next?” prompting an uncomfortable silence. An announcer stepped in to introduce Modi, who then approached the stage and shook hands with Biden.

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. pic.twitter.com/useM07uh0R

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 21, 2024

The 81-year-old president, who has experienced similar moments of confusion during public events, attempted to lighten the mood by joking about India’s population. “By the way, he’s from a small country like ours,” Biden said, embracing Modi. “A small population like ours. He’s become a good and decent man. A good friend.”

Biden malfunctions again, says- “He’s from a small country like ours, with a small population”

“But he’s become a good & decent man and a good friend”

Even PM Modi is embarrassed! pic.twitter.com/8oPqX67jGE

— Megh Updates ™ (@MeghUpdates) September 22, 2024

The comment was notable given that India is the world’s most populous country with about 1.4 billion people, compared to the United States’ 333 million.

This incident comes at a time when Biden’s age and cognitive abilities are being increasingly questioned by both critics and allies.

Throughout his presidency, he has been dogged by episodes of forgetfulness or confusion during high-profile outings.

These incidents have fueled concerns about his fitness for office as he campaigns for re-election in 2024.

In addition to Saturday’s press conference, Biden has recently faced criticism for allowing First Lady Jill Biden to lead discussions during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday.

During the meeting, which marked the first time the Cabinet had convened since October 2023, the first lady took center stage to discuss the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research.

Seated at the head of the table, Jill Biden read from a binder for over four minutes, while President Biden spoke for just two minutes.

BREAKING: The White House just held its first cabinet meeting in 11 months

Jill Biden sat at the head of the table pic.twitter.com/kwLl0x4mkV

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 20, 2024

This level of involvement by the first lady raised eyebrows, with commentators questioning the extent of her influence in the administration.

The New York Post reported that Jill Biden is regarded by insiders as one of the most influential first ladies since Edith Wilson, who tightly controlled access to her husband, President Woodrow Wilson, after he suffered a stroke in 1919.

Social media erupted with criticism over the first lady’s prominent role in the meeting, with some commentators arguing that it blurred the lines of authority within the administration.

Jill Biden’s influence has long been a subject of debate, with some suggesting that she plays an outsized role in key decisions.

Meanwhile, the Quad summit, hosted by Joe Biden at his home in Wilmington, was billed as an effort to strengthen ties among the four-nation alliance, which aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

The summit included discussions on a range of issues, including economic cooperation and defense.

During his remarks, Biden unveiled a global extension of his Cancer Moonshot initiative, which seeks to reduce cancer deaths worldwide.

He announced a partnership between the Quad countries that commits over $150 million for HPV screening and cancer therapeutics.

The initiative will also involve U.S. Navy doctors and nurses training counterparts in the Indo-Pacific on cervical cancer screening and vaccination.

The weekend’s gathering, which is likely Biden’s final summit with Quad leaders before he leaves office, was intended to cement relationships with key U.S. allies. “Our countries are more strategically aligned than ever before,” Biden said during the summit. “While challenges will come, the world will change, because the Quad is here to stay.”

However, the awkward press conference moment and the first lady’s prominent role at the Cabinet meeting have overshadowed some of the event’s diplomatic successes.

These incidents have also reignited concerns within the Democratic Party over Biden’s age and ability to lead, especially as the 2024 election approaches.

Later this week, Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Ukrainian leader’s fifth public visit to the United States since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Zelensky is expected to discuss his “Plan for Victory” with Biden, as well as meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Zelensky will also deliver a speech before the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

As Biden continues to navigate international diplomacy and domestic criticism, questions about his mental acuity are likely to persist.

His handling of high-profile events, including future meetings with world leaders, will be closely scrutinized as the 2024 election draws nearer.

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