'Put a leash on him': Joe Biden mocked as he shuffles around White House lawn during ceremony for Japanese PM

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden's health once again came under scrutiny on Wednesday morning, April 10, during a high-profile state visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the White House.

The 81-year-old president appeared disoriented and struggled with his movements, prompting renewed concerns about his ability to lead the nation effectively.

Joe Biden's gait raises eyebrows

The encounter between Biden and Kishida began cordially enough as they exchanged greetings and shook hands with members of both the US and Japanese delegations on the South Lawn.

However, moments later, as they ascended a stage for the national anthems and a review of US military honor guards, Biden's demeanor began to raise eyebrows.

A notable incident occurred when a military aide offered a salute to the president, prompting Biden to initially raise his hand in return before dropping it as he was directed where to stand.

Throughout the review, observers noted Biden's stiff gait and tentative steps, suggesting a level of uncertainty in his movements. The RNC Research X account shared clips showcasing Biden's perceived struggles.

Despite these physical challenges, both leaders eventually delivered remarks emphasizing the strength of the US-Japan alliance, with Biden expressing gratitude for Japan's historic gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, DC, over a century ago.

He proclaimed the link between Washington and Tokyo was “closer, stronger, and more effective than ever before in history," the New York Post reported.

Social media reactions

However, his difficulties did not go unnoticed, as social media erupted with commentary criticizing his demeanor.

"They might as well put a leash on him. He literally has to be led around so he doesn’t get lost. This is so embarrassing," one posted on X.

"He walks like he’s blindfolded. Come to think of it….everything he does is like he’s blindfolded," another quipped.

"Never seen a human walk like that," a comment read.

"What the hell is wrong with his arms??" someone else wondered.

"He has no freaking idea where he's going or why he's even out there," another insisted.

Age and perception

Criticism has been mounting against Biden, with frequent accusations of appearing "dazed and confused" during public appearances. These concerns are compounded by Biden's status as the oldest chief executive in US history, with his age becoming a focal point of discussion regarding his fitness for office.

A recent poll conducted by the New York Times and Siena College revealed that a significant majority of voters, including those who supported Biden in 2020, believe he is too old to be an effective president. The poll showed that 73% of voters share concerns about Biden's mental competency due to his age.

The results underscore a broader trend of skepticism regarding Biden's capabilities, particularly in light of potential reelection prospects. With former President Donald Trump, himself 77 years old, looming as a potential challenger, questions about Biden's health and mental acuity have become increasingly salient of late.

In response to these concerns, Biden's campaign communication manager, Michael Tyler, dismissed the polling data, arguing that it "consistently overestimates" Trump while underestimating Biden. “Polling continues to be at odds with how Americans vote, and consistently overestimates Donald Trump while underestimating President Biden,” he told Politico.

“Whether it’s in special elections or in the presidential primaries, actual voter behavior tells us a lot more than any poll does and it tells a very clear story: Joe Biden and Democrats continue to outperform while Donald Trump and the party he leads are weak, cash-strapped, and deeply divided. Our campaign is ignoring the noise and running a strong campaign to win – just like we did in 2020," Tyler added.

Nevertheless, the persistent scrutiny surrounding Biden's fitness undeniably challenges his administration's credibility and electoral prospects.

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