Politics
President Biden raised eyebrows Wednesday morning, when he appeared disoriented while welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the White House for a state visit.
Biden, 81, and Kishida, 66, greeted one another before shaking the hands of members of both the US and Japanese delegations on the South Lawn.
The leaders then mounted a stage for the national anthems of both countries, before reviewing US military honor guards.
Ahead of the review, Biden and Kishida were greeted with a salute by a military aide. The president began to raise his right hand to return the salute, then dropped it as the aide directed the two leaders where to stand.
Biden seemed to gaze around with a blank look on his face before putting on his signature aviator sunglasses and marching across the lawn.
During the review, the president’s gait was noticeably stiff and his steps appeared tentative and uncertain.
Eventually, Biden and Kishida made their way back to the podium and delivered remarks, in which the president proclaimed the link between Washington and Tokyo was “closer, stronger, and more effective than ever before in history.”
Biden also thanked Japan for the gift of 3,000 cherry trees over a century ago that have become an iconic symbol of Washington, DC, and briefly acknowledged the “devastating” conflict between the two allies as part of World War II.
Rather than being perpetual enemies, Biden said, the US and Japan “made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends.”
Following their remarks, the two men descended the stage, with Biden cutting in front of Kishida to grab a railing for assistance.
Biden’s troubles were called out by the RNC Research X account, prompting a flurry of responses.
“Why does Joe Biden look so lost & confused? What an embarrassment this man is,” a conservative X account named Proud Elephant chided.
“At least he didn’t bow multiple times like someone did,” user Jiggin Jalen quipped, referring to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on a visit to China last year.
“They might as well put a leash on him. He literally has to be lead [sic] around so he doesn’t get lost. This is so embarrassing,” another user wrote.
Biden has repeatedly drawn flak from critics who have accused him of looking dazed and confused during rudimentary proceedings at high-profile events.
The 46th president is the oldest chief executive in US history and would be 86 at the conclusion of a second four-year term.
His chief rival, former President Donald Trump, 77, would surpass him as the oldest commander-in-chief if he wins the Nov. 5 election and serves a full second term.
Biden will host a state dinner for Kishida on Wednesday evening, the fifth of the president’s tenure.
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David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
