Oh, the joys of being the leader of the free world! In a moment that left everyone squinting in disbelief, President Joe Biden referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as ‘President Putin’ at the NATO summit. Yes, you read that correctly. I know, it sounds like a joke from a late-night comedy show, but this flub really happened.
Picture this: Biden getting ready to dazzle the NATO crowd with his oratory skills. ‘And now, I want to hand it to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,’ he said. Seriously, you couldn’t make this stuff up.
Biden began to walk away, but then realized his terrible, no-good, very bad mistake. He quickly corrected himself. ‘President Putin − he’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy. I’m so focused on beating Putin, we’ve got to worry about it. Anyway.’ If you cringed, you’re not alone. Talk about a Freudian slip for the ages.
In a move that will surely go down in the annals of awkward political moments, Zelenskyy noticed Biden’s blunder and quipped, ‘I’m better,’ as he shook Biden’s hand. To which Biden, with a painful attempt to salvage the situation, responded, ‘You are a hell of a lot better.’ You can’t say Biden lacks charm, even when messing up royally.
So, what was the grand occasion? Biden was wrapping up a week of playing host to world leaders for a NATO summit in honor of the alliance’s 75th anniversary. Yes, it’s been three-quarters of a century of trying to keep world peace, but apparently, we still can’t get names right.
Biden’s goof came just before he faced reporters for a nearly one-hour-long press conference. Oh, the plot thickens! This was a mere two weeks after his debacle of a debate against former President Donald Trump, which had hawk-eyed Democrats murmuring about the need for a replacement candidate. It’s like living in a political soap opera, isn’t it?
The summit’s main agenda was about reaffirming support for Ukraine, now over two years into Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Leaders from 32 NATO countries inked a Ukraine Compact to show their allegiance. It’s quite the picture, isn’t it? Global leaders promising unyielding support while the host accidentally names the oppressor instead of the oppressed. Big yikes.
It’s doubtful we’ll hear the end of this anytime soon. Political analysts and late-night comedians alike are likely having a field day. But amidst the bout of chuckles and grimaces, there’s a sobering thought: our leaders can sometimes trip up in ways that underscore the fragility and human fallibility underlying even the most significant world events.
