President Biden has faced mounting scrutiny over his performance at public events, with videos showing allies, family members, and even the Easter Bunny stepping in to assist or direct him.
President Biden has faced growing concerns about his public appearances, with videos emerging of individuals guiding and directing him during events. Political allies, family members, world leaders, and even the Easter Bunny have been captured on camera intervening to assist or direct the 81-year-old president.
One notable incident occurred at a fundraiser in Los Angeles, where former President Barack Obama took Biden by the wrist and led him offstage after a conversation with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The footage sparked online criticism, with some questioning Biden's cognitive abilities.
Biden's Public Missteps: Allies, Family, Even Easter Bunny Intervene
During a trip to Italy for the G-7 summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was seen directing Biden back to a group of world leaders after he had taken a few steps away. The White House defended the incident, arguing that Biden had been distracted by a parachutist landing nearby.
In March, First Lady Jill Biden was seen approaching Biden and guiding him away from speaking with attendees at the White House’s Women's History Month reception. In January, she was captured on video taking her husband's hand and leading him offstage after a speech.
Biden's Public Missteps: Allies, Family, Even Easter Bunny Intervene
At the White House’s Juneteenth celebration, Biden remained relatively motionless while others danced and clapped around him. However, the White House press secretary dismissed the video as a non-issue.
Last month, a member of the military was seen directing Biden after a speech at the White House. In 2022, a young girl led Biden offstage during a Christmas season Toys for Tots event.
Biden's Public Missteps: Allies, Family, Even Easter Bunny Intervene
Biden has also experienced other missteps during public events, such as reading a teleprompter’s "pause" instructions, asking the whereabouts of a deceased lawmaker, and abruptly ending press conferences.
Concerns about Biden’s mental acuity have been raised in the past, including during a Special Counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents. Former Special Counsel Robert Hur stated that Biden's "poor memory" and age would make it difficult to convince a jury to convict him.
Biden's Public Missteps: Allies, Family, Even Easter Bunny Intervene
Despite these incidents, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates has characterized them as "routine moments for any president." Jill Biden has also defended her husband's age, stating that his experience makes him a "healthy, wise 81-year-old" who is "ready and willing to work" for the country.
However, the videos of Biden receiving assistance have reignited concerns about his cognitive state, particularly as he approaches the 2024 presidential election. Some have suggested that his age and history of gaffes may hinder his ability to effectively lead the nation.
Biden's Public Missteps: Allies, Family, Even Easter Bunny Intervene
