Former President Joe Biden appeared to confuse Russian President Vladimir Putin with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a public address on Friday night, delivering a puzzling line that has sparked widespread reaction and criticism. The incident occurred as Biden, 83, spoke at an event hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party in Columbia, marking one of his rare public appearances since leaving office.
A Head-Scratching Moment in South Carolina
During his remarks, Biden praised the incredible bravery of the Ukrainian people while reflecting on his own foreign policy experience. 'I spent a lot of time in Ukraine and I've met with Putin more than any other world leader has,' Biden stated, creating immediate confusion among listeners and observers. This comment came moments after he criticized former President Donald Trump for failing to mention 'the anniversary of Putin invading Ukraine' during Trump's recent State of the Union address.
Contrasting Foreign Policy Records
The apparent mix-up is particularly notable given the contrasting nature of Biden's relationships with the two leaders. Former President Biden and President Putin met for a single formal summit on June 16, 2021, in Geneva, Switzerland. This remained their only face-to-face meeting during Biden's presidency.
In stark contrast, Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky held numerous in-person meetings throughout Biden's four-year term. These encounters occurred at various international summits, during Zelensky's visits to Washington, D.C., and notably during Biden's 2023 trip to Kyiv, where he demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
From Humor to Confusion
Biden had attempted to open his South Carolina speech with humor aimed at Trump's lengthy address to Congress. 'By the way did you see Trump give the State of the Union...is he still talking?' Biden joked, stumbling over his words but drawing laughter from the audience.
However, when he shifted from mocking Trump to reflecting on his own foreign policy experience, the confusing remark emerged. 'I don't know. But folks, it's unbelievable. The guy talks for almost two hours, but never mentions the anniversary of Putin invading Ukraine. Never once,' Biden said before making the statement about meeting Putin.
Immediate Online Reaction
The phrasing sparked instant reaction across social media platforms, with critics arguing that the former president appeared to blur the lines between Russia's president and Ukraine's wartime leadership. Many questioned whether this represented a genuine confusion between the two leaders or simply an awkwardly phrased statement. Biden did not clarify or correct the remark during the remainder of his speech.
A Political Homecoming
The South Carolina event was meant to serve as a political homecoming and celebratory return for Biden to the state where he marked the sixth anniversary of his pivotal 2020 primary victory. That win revived his faltering presidential campaign and ultimately propelled him to the White House.
Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn introduced Biden at the event, praising him extensively. 'There is no American ever who has demonstrated through his service more substance and, I might add, sustenance, than Joe Robinette Biden Jr.,' Clyburn stated.
Biden responded warmly to the introduction, telling supporters, 'Thank you. It's good to be back home. My buddy Jim Clyburn, you brought me back!' He recalled the congressman's crucial endorsement in 2020, which played a significant role in his primary victory.
Health Considerations
The appearance comes amid ongoing health concerns for the former president. In May, Biden announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bone, and a spokesperson confirmed in October that he had been receiving radiation and hormone therapy. These health challenges have contributed to his limited public appearances since leaving office.
Since Trump's return to the White House, Biden has largely stayed out of the political spotlight, making Friday's speech one of his most visible public engagements in recent months. The event drew attention not only for its political significance but also for the confusing remarks that have since dominated discussion about his appearance.
