President Biden left the Brazilian president visibly frustrated after he wandered off the stage at the United Nations without shaking his hand, culminating in a gaffe-prone speech that began with the 80-year-old commander in chief nearly knocking over the Brazilian flag.
Mr. Biden walked into the 7-foot-tall Brazilian flag as he took the stage Thursday, nearly knocking it over. He then took a minute to steady the flag, which began to wobble.
After Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined him on stage to announce a partnership between his nation and the U.S. on workers’ rights, Mr. Biden fumbled with his headset, which he was using to hear a translated speech.
“Can you hear me, President Biden? This is a historic moment for Brazil and the U.S.,” Mr. Lula said.
When Mr. Biden did not respond, Mr. Lula asked again, “President Biden, can you hear me?”
Mr. Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, nodded that he could hear Mr. Lula, but continued to fumble with the headset throughout Mr. Lula’s speech. At one point, Mr. Biden dropped the headset and appeared visibly frustrated.
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At the end of the speech, Mr. Biden shook hands with International Labor Organization Director-General Gilbert Huongbo, but wandered away as Mr. Lula extended his hand for a shake.
Instead, Mr. Biden halfheartedly saluted someone in the audience and shuffled down the stage.
Mr. Lula appeared visibly annoyed and made a swiping gesture with his arm. They departed awkwardly from opposite sides of the stage.
It is the latest awkward public appearance from Mr. Biden, whose age is continuing to worry voters who say it is among their top concerns.
An Associated Press/NORC poll found that 77% of Americans, including 69% of Democrats, say Mr. Biden is too old for another term. When the respondents were asked what word came to mind when they thought of Mr. Biden, 15% used words like “slow” or “confused.”
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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