'Where are you?' Biden asks coach standing right next to him at trophy ceremony
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Biden’s slip-up: The event aimed to commend the Army Black Knights for their achievements, notably winning the commander-in-chief's trophy by defeating the Midshipmen 17-11 in the annual Army-Navy Game. In his speech, Biden celebrated the team's successes throughout the season, including victories over the Air Force and Navy.
US President Joe Biden had a momentary lapse during an event awarding the commander-in-chief's trophy to the Army football team on Monday (May 6). While introducing various dignitaries, Biden asked, "We finally have Coach Jeff Monken… back to the White House… Where are you, coach?" He seemed to be unaware that Monken was right beside him in the East Room of the White House.
This incident occurred amid Biden's acknowledgements of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Secretary Charles Q. Brown, Jr, while reading from teleprompters. During the ceremony, Biden also corrected himself after initially misnaming House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Sanford Bishop as "Stanford".
"But I also welcome Representative Stanford Bishop — Sanford Bishop. Representative Burt — where — where is Brett? You here? There you are, Brett Guthrie. Good to see you, Brett," he said as per the White House.
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The event was held to commend the Army Black Knights for their achievements, notably winning the commander-in-chief's trophy by defeating the Midshipmen 17-11 in the annual Army-Navy Game. In his speech, Biden celebrated the team's successes throughout the season, including victories over the Air Force and Navy.
Biden said, "You represent the very best of who we are as Americans, and I’m confident that in the years to come you will be willing to do, to see, you’ll see the same toughness, tenacity, and camaraderie, and accountability to our country that you brought to the field in every single game."
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Biden's occasional verbal slips have been a subject of media attention and political discourse. Given Biden's age, there are concerns about his physical and mental fitness for the demanding role of the presidency.
In a touch of humour, Biden during the ceremony said, "I occasionally used to root for another club until my son joined the United States Army, spent a year in Iraq, became a major, won the Bronze Star and a few other things. And so, I wasn’t even allowed to mention any other team ever."
(With inputs from agencies)
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