President Biden's viral video raises questions about situational awareness

Research

View from the Wing | View from the Wing

By Sky Industry News

Aug 2, 2024

A video that has gone viral shows President Biden appearing to be confused while attempting to board the wrong plane. The claim is that he mistook a small jet for Air Force One. This incident aligns with narratives suggesting that he frequently loses situational awareness, raising questions about his competence to hold office now and in the future.

Ian Haworth tweeted, "Joe Biden tried to board the wrong plane. He's still president, btw."

In a related development, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and others were released from Russia as part of a 24-person, multi-country swap. President Biden and Vice President Harris met the released Americans at Joint Base Andrews after their initial stop in Ankara.

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The White House stated that President Biden was boarding the plane to greet those who had not yet deplaned, including the crew. Andrew Feinberg, White House correspondent for the U.K.'s Independent and pool reporter at the event, reported there were ten passengers on the plane, only three of whom had disembarked at that point.

Feinberg commented: "I was under the wing with the press pool and it was obvious to me that POTUS was boarding to speak to the people who had helped bring these three Americans home — the pilots and seven other passengers plus whoever took the photo — because they had remained on board while the three former prisoners enjoyed their first moments back on US soil with their loved ones."

Nadia Bilbassy Charters also tweeted about the release of hostages.

Upon review of this incident, it does not appear that President Biden mistakenly boarded an incorrect plane. However, concerns about his cognitive abilities persist. Questions remain for Vice President Harris regarding her previous support for Biden's capability to serve another term and her current stance following his withdrawal from re-election.