White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre stepped in to abruptly end President Joe Biden’s press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam on Sunday evening. The move was seen as an attempt to spare Biden from further embarrassment in a press conference that was filled with gaffes. Biden, who had just completed a whirlwind trip to India and Vietnam, was visibly exhausted and even joked with reporters about going to bed.
Critics have seized on this incident to reinforce claims that Biden’s staff treats him like a child. These claims were supported by a recent book on the Biden presidency. However, the White House defended Biden, with Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton tweeting that Biden had a long day that started in India and ended in Hanoi, and that he still took the time to answer questions before departing. The tweet questioned what more critics expected from the president.
Jean Pierre’s interruption came as Biden was in the middle of speaking and she abruptly ended the press conference, causing some to compare it to a mic drop moment. Biden, however, calmly set down his microphone and briefly answered one more question before exiting the stage. The interactions between Jean Pierre and Biden were captured on video, with some viewers expressing surprise at seeing a president being cut off mid-sentence.
The White House transcript of the end of the press conference shows Biden discussing his conversation with a Chinese official and emphasizing the importance of stability and access to change for the Southern Hemisphere. Before he could finish answering the question, Jean Pierre thanked everyone and announced the end of the press conference. Biden thanked the press and briefly responded to a question about human rights in Vietnam before leaving.
Video clips from the press conference circulated online, highlighting various moments where Biden appeared disoriented or made questionable statements. In one clip, Biden references the movie “Good Morning, Vietnam” while greeting the audience. Another clip shows Biden pulling out a list of pre-selected reporters he was instructed to call on, raising concerns about media manipulation. There were also moments where Biden seemed confused or wandered out of the camera frame.
Despite these moments, it is important to note that gaffes and missteps are not uncommon for politicians, regardless of their political party or age. While critics may use them to further their narratives about Biden’s fitness for office, it is crucial to consider the broader context and the overall performance of the president.
Overall, the incident involving Jean Pierre interrupting and ending Biden’s press conference has sparked discussion and controversy. Some view it as an attempt to protect Biden from further embarrassment, while others criticize it as an example of his staff treating him like a child. As with any political event, different perspectives and interpretations emerge, shaping the narrative around the incident.
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