Washington (Thursday Times) — In an Independence Day interview that quickly captured headlines, President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to himself as the “first Black woman to serve with a Black president.” The slip occurred during a broadcast on Philadelphia’s WURD Radio, where Biden was attempting to highlight his historic role in appointing Vice President Kamala Harris and serving as vice president under Barack Obama.
“I’m proud to be, as I said, the first vice president, first Black woman… to serve with a Black president,” Biden stated, evidently mixing up his identity with that of Harris. The gaffe is the latest in a series of verbal missteps that have plagued the 81-year-old president, raising questions about his cognitive health and fitness for office.
This incident comes at a critical juncture for Biden, who is striving to regain voter confidence following a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump. The debate, held on June 27, was widely criticised for Biden’s lack of coherence and has since led to calls from some Democratic circles for him to reconsider his re-election bid.
Biden’s campaign has moved swiftly into damage control mode, scheduling a series of interviews and public appearances aimed at stabilising his public image. However, the president’s recurring verbal errors have continued to draw unwanted attention, overshadowing efforts to focus on his administration’s policy achievements and future plana.
Political analysts suggest that these gaffes could undermine Biden’s efforts to project stability and competence, particularly as he faces a tough re-election battle. His latest misstep, conflating his own vice presidency with Harris’s historic role, underscores the ongoing scrutiny of his cognitive abilities.
Despite these challenges, Biden remains publicly defiant. In response to questions about his fitness for office, the president has maintained that he is in good health and fully capable of performing his duties. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed concerns, attributing the gaffe to a momentary lapse.
As the 2024 election approaches, Biden’s campaign will need to navigate these incidents carefully, balancing the president’s public appearances with strategies to mitigate the impact of any further verbal slips. For now, the president’s latest gaffe serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny that accompanies his every word and action on the campaign trail.
