Joe Biden at COP26.
In a fleeting moment that nonetheless shot around social media — andonto the BBC— PresidentJoe Bidenwas seen closing his eyes on camera while attending theUnited Nations Climate Change Conferencethis week.
Conservative critics pounced: They claimed Biden, 78, must have temporarily dozed off, reviving a question of stamina that came up regularly during last year’s campaign.
Others, however,shrugged offthe passing incident and noted other politicianswere seen closing their eyesat the summit.
In the video, which was taken during an opening session of the summit (known as COP26) on Monday, Biden closes his eyes for roughly 30 seconds as a speaker can be heard telling the world leaders and other attendees, “You are in a position of extraordinary power.”
An aide then approaches Biden, who opens his eyes to listen to the person before turning back to the speaker.
Though a speech was ongoing, the video shows the president closed his eyes during what appeared to be a down moment for others at the conference, with a woman seated near Biden speaking on a cell phone at the same time.
Right-wing Twitter users were quick to criticize the president, with British political magazineTheSpectatortweeting that “sleepy Joe can’t keep his eyes open at COP 26.”
Theofficial Twitter accountfor House Republicans also tweeted the video, writing: “America is in crisis, and Joe Biden is asleep at the wheel.” (The White House did not respond to questions.)
Later on Monday, Biden discussed climate change for about 15 minutes withPrince Charles, during which he praised the British royal family’s “dedication to climate issues, particularly Prince Charles' environmental activism over the last half century,” according to asenior administration official.
On Tuesday, Biden gave his own speech at the summit, stressing the importance of investing in infrastructure abroad to limit long-term global warming.
President Joe Biden (left) and Prince William at COP26.Alberto Pezzali/Getty
Biden’s detractors linked his caught-on-camera moment to the issue of stamina and age — both of which were debated during the 2020 presidential election, given that Biden and former PresidentDonald Trumpwould each have been the oldest-ever president.
Biden will turn 79 this month. Trump was 70 at his inauguration in 2017.
“I think it’s totally appropriate for people to look at my age,” Bidensaid last year. “Just like when I was 29 [and elected to the Senate], was I old enough? And now, am I fit enough? I’ll completely disclose everything about my health. I’m in good shape.”
In December, Biden’s physician releaseda three-page summaryof his health history describing him as “healthy” and “vigorous” while noting previous issues, including an aneurysm in 1988.
Trump, 75, had his own string viral incidents during his presidential tenure, including when he was filmed appearing to have troublewalking downa ramp in the rain and another instance in which he seeminglystruggledto hold a glass of water.
He dismissed both episodes as overblown.
source: people.com
