Joe Biden suffered another excruciating gaffe while on the campaign trail yesterday as politicians and pundits continue to question the President’s mental acuity.
Addressing a rally in Michigan on Friday night, the US President raised further concerns about his ability to lead the country and run for re-election after seemingly confusing two top members of Congress.
Trying to reassure the crowd that he was mentally fit following his disastrous debate against Donald Trump and a major gaffe on the world stage in which he confused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said he was “ok”.
He said: “I promise you, I am – I'm OK,”
Joe Biden suffers another gaffe on election trail
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However, he then went on to thank a member of Congress he called 'Debbie Haley.'
Failing to correct himself afterwards, critics have suggested he may have been aiming to refer to five-term Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell but confused her with former presidential candidate and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
He later admitted in the speech that he “sometimes confuses names”.
Biden added: “And by the way, I want you to know that I've spent a lot of time with Debbie.”
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Joe Biden kisses Rep. Debbie Dingell
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“She helped me a lot.”
The toe-curling gaffe comes amid reports that Biden’s election war chest could face a major blow.
Democrat donors told The New York Times that they had been approached by the Future Forward committee – the biggest Biden political action group.
Each donor could spend as much as $10million (£7.7million) on supporting Biden but have said that funds would be frozen unless the president stood aside.
Joe Biden had a disastrous performance against Donald Trump
REUTERS
Following Biden’s debate against Donald Trump, the donors who could inject up to $90million (£70million), said they were “holding off” on inserting fresh funds.
Biden has so far refused to step aside despite the growing calls for him to quit.
Both Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi are thought to have expressed concerns privately about his chances of surpassing Donald Trump in the November election.