‘Stand up, Jonah!’
President Biden stumbled over Rep. Jahana Hayes’ (D-Conn.) name during remarks at the White House on Monday, instead calling her “Jonah.”
The 80-year-old president’s latest gaffe happened as he celebrated the 2023 Teachers of the Year from each state, as well as the National Teacher of the Year, during a Rose Garden event.
Hayes, who was first elected to the House in 2018, is herself a former National Teacher of the Year award winner.
“Thank you for the members of Congress here today, including two outstanding educating congresswomen: Jonah,” Biden said, apparently referring to Hayes.
“And by the way, Jonah Hayes is — Jonah, where are you? There you are, Jonah, right in front of me,” he went on.
“Stand up, Jonah!” the president said, motioning for Hayes to rise. “Jonah happened to be the 2016 National Teacher of the Year.”
Biden called Rep. Jahana Hayes “Jonah” on Monday during remarks at the White House. Getty Images
Biden also acknowledged Rep. Jamaal Bowman, (D-NY), a former teacher and school administrator elected to Congress in 2020.
The president, who has faced questions about his mental agility due to his numerous gaffes and advanced age, is expected to launch his re-election campaign on Tuesday.
His potential 2024 Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, questioned Biden’s sharpness during an interview with Tucker Carlson earlier this month.
The 80-year-old president’s latest gaffe came during a White House celebration for the state and national teachers of the year. Chris Kleponis – CNP / MEGA
“Look, I watch him just like you do,” Trump told the former Fox News host. “And I think it’s almost inappropriate for me to say it. I don’t see how it’s possible. But there’s something wrong.”
“I saw his answer today [April 10] on television about whether or not he was going to run to a very nice guy named Al Roker,” the 45th president added. “You can’t get a softer question than that. It was a long answer about the eggs and this and that — look, I don’t think he can.”
During the Easter interview with Roker, Biden said he planned on hosting “at least three or four more Easter Egg Rolls.”
“Maybe five. Maybe six, what the hell? I don’t know,” the president added.
When pressed by the weatherman about his campaign plans, Biden strangely said, “I’ll either be rolling an egg or end up being the guy who’s pushing ’em out.”
In yet another cringeworthy gaffe made earlier this month, Biden accidentally made reference to British forces that persecuted Irish people while trying to say the nickname of a New Zealand rugby team on his trip to Ireland.
Speaking about his fifth cousin, former Irish international rugby player Rob Kearney, Biden said Kearney was “a hell of a rugby player and he beat the hell out of the Black and Tans.”
Biden appeared to have intended to say New Zealand “All Blacks” rugby squad, during his remarks at the Windsor bar in Dundalk, County Louth.
Source: New York Post
