Biden Gives Comments In France During D-Day Ceremony
The Republican National Committee (RNC) research division posted several videos on X (formerly Twitter) depicting President Biden in what they described as "a perpetual state of confusion" during his recent visit to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
In one video shared by the RNC research account, President Biden appears uncertain about whether to sit down after bending over during the event. The caption simply read, "Awkward." Another clip shows Biden seemingly misspeaking in his speech to D-Day veterans while urging support for Ukraine against Russia. He stated that "350,000 Russian troops" had been killed or wounded, a number that appeared inflated.
Biden arrives at Omaha Beach in his perpetual state of confusion pic.twitter.com/FKgllybpyN
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 6, 2024
Further adding to the controversy, during an interview with ABC's David Muir, Biden claimed he had known Russian President Vladimir Putin "for over 40 years," a statement that raised eyebrows given Putin's tenure as a KGB officer during the 1980s.
Additionally, another video highlighted an awkward moment where Biden, accompanied by his wife Jill, walked away as French President Emmanuel Macron continued to engage with World War II veterans. In a hot mic moment, Biden was heard saying to Macron, "My advance team said I gotta be the first one to leave."
Awkward pic.twitter.com/3KNLco85hj
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 6, 2024
The White House responded to these posts, with spokesperson Andrew Bates referencing a PolitiFact check that labeled the RNC's claims as "baseless." Bates remarked, "The event’s full video does not support these claims; neither do news reports or posts from people who attended." He further commented on the RNC’s recent criticisms, which included trivial matters such as Biden petting a dog or enjoying ice cream, suggesting these attacks were unfounded and indicative of a broader partisan agenda.
These incidents have revived ongoing discussions about President Biden's mental acuity. The Wall Street Journal recently published a report interviewing 45 lawmakers and administration officials about Biden's mental performance, revealing mixed sentiments. While most criticisms came from Republicans, some Democrats also acknowledged moments where Biden's age appeared evident in private meetings.
Despite these concerns, White House officials dismissed many of the criticisms as politically motivated. They pointed to endorsements from various Congressional Republicans, foreign leaders, and nonpartisan national-security experts who have praised Biden as a "savvy and effective leader" with significant legislative achievements.
BIDEN: "My advance team said I gotta be the first one to leave" pic.twitter.com/x5za5Z70wK
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 6, 2024
As the oldest person to hold the presidency at 81, Biden's age has been a frequent topic of discussion, fueling skepticism from voters and political adversaries alike. While some Democrats echo these concerns, the administration remains steadfast in defending Biden's capabilities and leadership.
In the run-up to the 2024 elections, the scrutiny of Biden's performance is likely to intensify, with both supporters and critics voicing their perspectives on his ability to lead the nation effectively.
Jill, Ed.D., escorts Joe Biden out as French President Macron stays behind to greet veterans pic.twitter.com/n4rpRgdbv5
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 6, 2024