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Biden Host Big Event with Japanese Prime Minister

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President Joe Biden made headlines on Wednesday morning with his appearance at the White House, where he welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit. The 81-year-old president seemed initially disoriented as he greeted Kishida and members of both the US and Japanese delegations on the South Lawn. As they mounted a stage for the national anthems of both countries, Biden and Kishida were greeted with a salute by a military aide. While Biden began to raise his right hand to return the salute, he quickly dropped it and appeared to gaze around with a blank look on his face before donning his signature aviator sunglasses and proceeding with the ceremony.

Throughout the review of the US military honor guards, Biden’s gait was noticeably stiff and his steps appeared tentative and uncertain. However, the president and Kishida were eventually able to make their way back to the podium, where they delivered their remarks. Biden emphasized that the relationship between the US and Japan was “closer, stronger, and more effective than ever before in history.” He also expressed gratitude for Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees over a century ago, which have become an iconic symbol of Washington, DC. The president briefly acknowledged the “devastating” conflict between the two allies as part of World War II, noting that rather than becoming perpetual enemies, the US and Japan made the choice to become the “closest of friends.”

Following their remarks, Biden and Kishida descended the stage, with Biden appearing to cut in front of Kishida to grab onto a nearby railing for assistance. This moment was captured by the RNC Research X Twitter account, which prompted a flurry of responses and criticism towards the president. Some users mocked Biden for looking “lost & confused,” with one conservative account calling him an “embarrassment.” Others poked fun at the situation, with one user pointing out that at least Biden did not bow multiple times as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen did on a visit to China in 2020. Some expressed concern for Biden’s health and suggested that he needed to be “lead [sic] around” to prevent him from getting lost.

President Biden has drawn ongoing criticism from his critics, who have accused him of looking “dazed and confused” during high-profile events. At 81 years old, Biden is the oldest president in US history. If he were to serve a full eight-year term, he would be 86 at the time of its completion. His opponent in the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump, is 77 years old, making him the second oldest president in US history. The current record holder is Ronald Reagan, who was 77 when he finished his second term in office. Despite concerns about his age, Biden has shown no signs of slowing down and continues to maintain a busy schedule, hosting numerous state dinners and attending important events.

On Wednesday evening, President Biden will host a state dinner for Prime Minister Kishida, which will be the fifth state dinner of his tenure so far. The news of this event has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the longevity and strength of the US-Japan relationship and others expressing concern over Biden’s physical abilities and potential gaffes. Biden’s remarks during the ceremony with Kishida emphasized the importance of this relationship and its potential to shape the global landscape in a positive way. As the two leaders continue their discussions, the public will continue to monitor Biden’s actions and statements, with some likely to highlight any further perceived slip-ups or concerns about his health.

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