U.S. President Joe Biden fell asleep this Wednesday during a meeting with African presidents held in Angola.
Biden was in a meeting with African leaders when he closed his eyes several times while his counterparts were speaking and writing.
A video that has gone viral on the Internet shows the head of the White House resting on his left hand in at least two different positions with his eyes closed.
The U.S. President flew to Angola to attend the Trans-African Summit of the Lobito Corridor, where the plan to extend the railway corridor across the African continent was updated, aiming to curb Chinese influence in the region.
This trip, his last as head of state to Africa, is also one of his final international visits before he leaves his position at the White House on January 20.
In July, following his disastrous performance in the televised debate against Donald Trump, the New York Times revealed that Biden told Democratic governors he needed more sleep and would not schedule events after 8:00 PM. Days later, Biden withdrew from the race for a second term in office.
In November 2021, the Democratic leader was caught napping during the opening of the Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, where cameras captured him struggling to stay awake.
While one of the speakers was giving a speech, the leader, arms crossed and standing tall, rested for about 30 seconds, after having blinked heavily several times.
The situation did not go unnoticed by one of his advisors, who quickly came to his aid and approached him to speak, making a clear gesture to wake him up.
After making a comment, Biden nodded and rubbed his eyes with a clear intention to wake himself up. Shortly after, he got up from his seat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Biden's Health Status and Its Political Impact
Why did Joe Biden fall asleep during the meeting with African leaders?
Joe Biden fell asleep during the meeting with African leaders in Angola, an event that has drawn criticism and concern. This incident adds to other episodes that have raised questions about his health and his ability to continue in the presidential office. During the event, his fatigue was evident, which could be attributed to his advanced age and the challenges of a demanding international schedule.
What other slips has Joe Biden had recently?
Joe Biden has had several recent slips that have raised concerns. Among them, he referred to Kamala Harris as "President Trump’s vice president" during a press conference and called the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, "President Putin." Additionally, in an interview, he forgot the name of his Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, referring to him as "the Black man." These blunders have fueled doubts about his mental health as he nears the end of his term.
How has the Democratic Party reacted to Biden's mistakes?
The Democratic Party has shown signs of concern regarding the mistakes and lapses of Joe Biden. Prominent figures such as George Clooney and Nancy Pelosi have suggested that Biden should reconsider his candidacy due to his age and the mistakes made. Additionally, some Democrats have expressed the need for a change in leadership to ensure a victory in the upcoming elections.
How has Biden's health status affected his presidency?
Joe Biden's health has been a recurring topic during his presidency. He has tested positive for COVID-19, which forced him to isolate and work from his residence. His health and ability to lead have come under scrutiny following several lapses and mistakes during public events. Despite this, Biden has stated that he remains committed to his presidential duties and has named Kamala Harris as his successor for the upcoming elections.
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