Joe Biden mocked as he mistakes WNBA player Candace Parker for 'coach' during White House visit

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden was trolled on social media as he stirred a mix of admiration and confusion during the Las Vegas Aces' visit to the White House on Thursday, May 9, commemorating their second consecutive WNBA title.

The event, which marked the team's second White House visit in less than a year, saw Biden delivering a speech in front of the Aces players, where he inadvertently mischaracterized retired basketball star Candace Parker as "one of the greatest all-time coaches."

Yet another blunder at the White House

Candace Parker, a recently retired WNBA legend with an illustrious 16-season career, is renowned for her prowess on the court rather than her coaching acumen. However, Biden's speech seemed to conflate her status, praising her achievements as if she were a coach.

"While she couldn't be here, I want to acknowledge someone who we consider one of the greatest all-time coaches, Candace Parker," Biden stated, before highlighting Parker's remarkable career.

"She played 16 seasons in the league, two Olympic gold medals, two regular-season MVPs and a [WNBA] final MVP, and look, going out on top of the world with her third ring. She announced her retirement from the game but I want to thank her for an incredible career. We know she has a whole world in front of her. A whole world," he added, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.

Despite the slight confusion, the White House reception for the Aces was warm and celebratory. Before the official proceedings commenced, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the team with freshly baked cookies, something that wasn't part of last year's visit. The Aces were also treated to a tour of the Oval Office.

During his remarks, President Biden emphasized the significance of women's sports, highlighting their impact on female empowerment and national unity.

“It matters to girls and women, finally seeing themselves represented, and it matters to all of America. That’s why, as a nation, we need to support women’s sports,” Biden said during the East Room ceremony. “I want to thank you for showing that the future of women’s sports is brighter than the Vegas lights," he added.

Social media backlash

However, Biden's latest gaffe regarding Candace Parker drew mockery on social media platforms.

"Sleepy Joe once again makes a fool out of himself #Trump2024," one posted on X.

"Just another reason he needs to go away," another wrote.

"The shocker would be if Joe Biden is ever able to say anything correct," someone else quipped.

"The WH is lucky Joe didn't mutter something along the lines of, 'Where's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Come on out here and take a bow,'" another added.

Growing concerns

Last month, President Biden faced renewed scrutiny regarding his age and mental acuity after a notable slip-up during an interview. In response to questions about strategies to regain support from pro-Palestinian voters amid the conflict in Israel, Biden mistakenly referred to Haifa, an Israeli port city, while discussing aid to Gaza.

"I've been meeting with them, number one," Biden stated. "Number two, I made it clear that we have to vastly increase the amount of food, water, and healthcare going into Gaza." In a moment of confusion, he added, "And I made it clear to Israelis don't move on Haifa," seemingly intending to reference Rafah, the last civilian refuge in the Gaza Strip. The slip-up left Biden momentarily befuddled, as he concluded: "It's just not, I mean, anyway."

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