Biden gaffe at G-7 summit sparks laughter from world leaders

The United States President Joe Biden embarrassed himself at the G-7 summit when he tried to correct British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for not introducing “the president of South Africa” — even though Johnson already did so by name.

The blooper — one of several Biden made amid the series of meetings with world leaders — prompted laughter at his expense at the start of a roundtable discussion in Cornwall, England.

The awkward incident took place on Saturday, according to Sky News, which posted a video clip and a transcript online.

After mentioning how the visiting dignitaries had brought “some pretty spectacular weather with them,” Johnson introduced Indian President Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

At that point, Biden — seated between Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron — interjected.

“And the president of South Africa,” Biden, 78, said while pointing across the table.

Apparently taken aback, Johnson said, “And, and, and the president of South Africa…as I said early on.”

“Oh, he did?” Biden said, looking befuddled as his words trailed off.

“I did…I certainly did,” Johnson said.

Those around the table then began laughing and Macron turned to Ramaphosa.

“You get a mention twice, Cyril,” he said.

Biden mistakingly thought South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was skipped during the introduction at the summit.
Brendan Smialowski/Pool via REUTERS
On Friday, The Jewish Voice also posted a video clip of Biden being asked a question by a reporter who shouted, “How are your meetings going in Cornwall, Mr. President?” as he walked across a patio.

Biden stopped and said, “I beg your pardon?” then answered, “Very well,” after the reporter repeated the question.

The interaction prompted First Lady Jill Biden to scold her husband, saying “Joe! Come on!” as she waved him over amid laughs from onlookers.

Jill Biden then took the president’s hand and led him away.

President Joe Biden walking with South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 12, 2021.
Leon Neal/Pool via AP
And a Sunday news conference at Cornwall Airport Newquay was marked by several Biden gaffes, including repeated references to the international COVAX vaccine-distribution program as “COVID” — which the White House corrected, using brackets, in its official transcript of the event.

Biden also mixed up Syria and Libya three times during the news conference, including when he said, “I’m hopeful that we can find an accommodation where we can save the lives of people in, for example, in Libya,” Fox News reported.

And during a Q&A session with reporters, Biden admitted that “I’m going to get in trouble with staff” if he strayed from instructions that directed him to give the first question to Jonathan Lemire of The Associated Press, a frequent guest on liberal cable news network MSNBC.

“Now, why don’t I take some of your questions? And I’m told, Jonathan, I’m supposed to talk — recognize you first,” Biden said.
Courtesy: United News Team