- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 11, 2024

President Biden misidentified another foreign leader Thursday — and it was a more embarrassing mistake than mixing up the leaders of Mexico and Egypt.

Mr. Biden mixed up the two sides in Europe’s bloodiest war since World War II, referring to Ukrainian president as Russian strongman Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. president was introducing Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a NATO summit in Washington and was trumpeting the Ukrainian leader’s credentials.

“I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen — President Putin,” he said.

Mr. Biden quickly caught himself and made an impromptu explanation though it trailed off at the end also.

“President Putin? He’s gonna beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy,” he said. “I’m so focused on beating Putin, we gotta worry about it. Anyway.”

Mr. Biden’s mental acuity has come under sharper focus in the two weeks since his disastrous debate, 

• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.

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