“Who Is in Charge?” Biden Abruptly Cut Off During Press Conference: Staff Rush to Conclude Amid Rambling Remarks

William FurneyNov 11, 2023

Minute Read

President Biden’s catastrophe of a press conference while on a recent trip to Vietnam has left many wondering if the 80-year-old is up to the job — and if he should seek re-election at all.

Media Appearance Blunder

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The president was in Vietnam at the end of a tour of Asia in September that started at a G20 Summit in India when he appeared before reporters to talk about national security and trade deals. But it quickly went south.

Mumbling and Incoherent

President Biden was answering a reporter’s question when he seemed to lose his train of thought and trailed off. “We talked about stability; we talked about making sure the third world… excuse me… the southern hemisphere has access to change. It wasn’t confrontational at all,” he said, leaving many at the press conference scratching their heads and trying to figure out what Biden was talking about.

Press Secretary to the Rescue

Sensing something was not right with President Biden, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre jumped in and said, “Thank you, everybody. This ends the press conference. Thanks, everyone.” She then turned off the president’s microphone.

Tired President Biden

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Earlier, a seemingly exhausted president had announced that he was retiring for the evening. “I’ll tell you what, I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna go to bed,” he said.

Series of Missteps

The bizarre incident in Vietnam comes after a number of gaffes and stumbles by President Biden in recent months. He has tripped while on stage and also walking on the steps of the presidential plane, Air Force One. He has also mumbled through speeches. And he has evidently been untruthful about where he was the day after the 9/11 attacks, telling reporters he was at Ground Zero in New York when his memoir said he was in Washington, DC.

Obama Contrast

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President Biden’s speech and tumbles are in marked contrast to his previous boss, former President Barack Obama, for whom he served as vice president for two terms. Obama was a polished orator and also became known for his poise and sophistication during his time at the White House.

Growing Concerns for Biden

Fears for Biden’s health, and his ability to do one of the toughest and most demanding jobs in the world, are growing among political analysts and voters, ahead of next year’s presidential election in which Biden is seeking a second term in office.

‘Is Biden in Charge?’

Echoing suggestions by former president Trump that Obama is secretly running the White House, people on social media were quick to point out that, given Biden’s series of mistakes, the president didn’t appear to be in control. “Joe Biden’s staff cut his mic in the middle of a sentence during a press conference. Who is really in charge?” wrote YouTuber Benny Johnson on the X network formerly known as Twitter.

‘Declining Health’

Another X user remarked about Biden’s health and suggested former president Donald Trump might be the better candidate for the 2024 presidential election.

“Are y’all seriously voting for Biden knowing his health is declining at a rate that it is. He’s 80 years old & health is not getting any better. Like be for real we need #Trump2024; he’s much sharper. Rather you like it or not that’s what it is.”

Another Trump Run

Trump — who has long denigrated Biden by calling him “Sleepy Joe” — is running for the Republican Party nomination of next year’s presidential election. He lost re-election in 2020 to Biden and refused to accept defeat, saying the election had been “rigged” and was “stolen” from him.

Trump v. Biden?

If Trump does receive his party’s nomination, he may face off against the incumbent. Both men are of a similar age — Trump was 77 in June while Biden will be 81 next month. Polls show voter support at just under 50% for Biden and Trump, suggesting a closely fought election if the two men end up running for president.

‘Historic’ Re-Election Funds

The Democratic Party’s election-fundraising efforts raised $71 million in contributions in the third quarter of the year, contributing to $91 million in the bank — a record sum at this time of the election cycle, news site Politico reported.

Earlier Campaign Ads

The hefty sum raised is allowing the Biden team to run TV and online adverts earlier than other candidates and even past presidents, potentially giving the president an edge with voters as he gets his election message out to the public.

‘Solid Biden Support’

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Democratic fundraising for the 2024 election with Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, on the ticket showed there was concrete support for the candidates, said Biden campaign manager Julie Rodriguez.

“This quarter’s fundraising haul and historic cash on hand speak to the very real enthusiasm and support President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to build for their reelection bid,” she said.