Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, misunderstood President Biden to be “President Obama” during a Thursday press conference.
Jean-Pierre lost her tongue while making announcements at top of briefing. This caused a lot of laughter and shock among the press corps.
“So today, as all of you saw an hour ago, President Obama declared that–Pardon, President Biden! Jean-Pierre spoke as reporters yelled in surprise. “Woah! That is not news. We’re not going forwards, I know. We’ve gotta go forwards.”
Then, she announced “President Biden”‘s nominee to head the World Bank.
This slip-up is occurring as rumors continue about Biden’s 2024 plans. Although the White House claims that he “intends” to run, many Democrats are skeptical due to his age. Many people expected Biden would make an announcement following his State of the Union address earlier in the month. But, it never happened.
Obama has in the past defended Biden’s mental well-being, but he was critical of his former White House physician for criticizing Biden’s performance.
In October, Biden acknowledged that age-related questions are “totally legitimate.”
“I believe it’s legitimate to be concerned about any age, even mine. It’s completely legitimate. However, I believe the best way to judge is to watch me. Do I seem to be slowing down? Are you noticing a slowing down? Biden spoke to MSNBC in an interview at the time.
Biden is the oldest president ever and will turn 82 in 2024.