Gaffe alert! Joe Biden confuses Taylor Swift with Britney Spears
What's the story
During a pre-Thanksgiving event at the White House, United States (US) President Joe Biden created a stir when he seemingly mixed up Taylor Swift and Britney Spears while joking about the turkeys, Liberty and Bell.
The 81-year-old's slip-up took place during his speech at the annual Turkey Pardoning Day on Monday (local time).
Talking about the journey the turkeys took to get pardoned, Biden remarked, "It's tougher than scoring a ticket to the Renaissance tour or...Spears's tour."
Details
Here's what exactly happened
The light-hearted moment turned awkward when Biden used the name "Spears" while referring to Swift.
"Just to get here, Liberty and Bell [turkeys] had to beat some tough odds and competition. They had to work hard, to show patience, and be willing to travel over 1,000 miles," Biden stated.
"You could say it's even harder than getting a ticket to the Renaissance tour or, or [Spears's] tour. She's down, it's kind of warm in Brazil right now (sic)," he added.
Reaction
'Aging or slip of tongue': Netizens reacted to Biden's gaffe
Pop Crave posted the video of Biden's blunder on X/Twitter, triggering comments about his age and his frequent errors in speeches.
One user joked, "Okay grandpa, let's get you to bed." Others expressed concern, stating, "Just get him out of office this man is literally begging."
Criticism ranged from questioning his knowledge to suggesting he should not be leading the country.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Biden's awkward moment here
Joe Biden mistakes Taylor Swift for Britney Spears in turkey pardoning speech:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 20, 2023
“This is harder than getting a ticket to the Renaissance tour, or for Britney’s tour…it’s kind of warm in Brazil right now”
pic.twitter.com/voifWHqLG6
Concert incident
Meanwhile, Swift resumed concert in Brazil, honoring late fan
Separately, Swift resumed her Brazil concert on Sunday, having postponed the Saturday show following the tragic passing of 23-year-old fan Ana Clara Benevides, who suffered a cardiac arrest amid intense heat at Nilton Santos Stadium.
Swift, known for her strong connection with fans, seemingly paid a heartfelt tribute during the performance.
The incident prompted an outpouring of support for Swift and her dedication to her audience.
Hilarious incidents
Previous slip-ups: When Biden called Vice President Kamala Harris 'president'
This is not the first time Biden has had a slip of the tongue.
Last week, he accidentally referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as the "president" at a White House event.
He made this same error in at least six other public appearances—once even referring to Harris as "the first lady."
Also, in September, Biden made a faux pas when he called popular rapper LL Cool J (55) a "boy" after mispronouncing his name during the Congressional Black Caucus.
Information
Polls conducted showed concerns over Biden's age
A poll in August revealed that 77% of US adults, including 69% of Democrats, considered Biden too old to be effective for another four years. This concern arose after Biden said he plans to run for a second term. It was conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Statement
Biden's age and stamina defended by White House
On the occasion of Biden's 81st birthday recently, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the president's age and energy during a press conference.
She asserted, "Our perspective is, it's not about age, it's about the president's experience."
Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden had effectively pushed several significant pieces of legislation through Congress.
She added, "I would put the president's stamina, the president's wisdom, ability to get this done on behalf of the American people, against anyone."