President Biden caused speculation on Tuesday as he opted out of attending the opening dinner of the NATO leadership summit in Lithuania’s capital, with his team citing a busy schedule for the 80-year-old commander-in-chief.
When questioned about the president’s absence from the meal, a US official stated that Biden had “four full days of official business” ahead, including preparations for a significant speech and another day dedicated to the summit.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken assumed Biden’s place at the dinner, where leaders from all 31 NATO member countries gathered. It remained unclear if Biden was the only leader missing from the event, which was also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Critics were quick to point out Biden’s recent leisure time on the beach near his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Del., as he spent Saturday relaxing. Abigail Marone, the communications director for Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), tweeted a picture of Biden sunbathing, sarcastically referring to the president’s supposed need for a break after “almost working a whole standard work week.” Conservative podcaster Comfortably Smug, known as Shashank Tripathi, joined in, commenting on Biden’s absence from the protocol-heavy diplomatic dinner.
Biden’s schedule has been a subject of public speculation due to his advanced age. Axios previously reported that his events mostly occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with weekends often devoid of major activities.
During the day on Tuesday, the president engaged in meetings with the presidents of Lithuania and Turkey, held discussions with the NATO secretary general, and participated in the first day of the NATO meeting.
On Wednesday, he is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky after attending the second day of the summit. Additionally, he will deliver remarks at Vilnius University before traveling to Helsinki.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Windsor Castle on Monday, Biden triggered further discussions regarding his physical fitness. Upon his arrival, he seemed to rely on King Charles III for support.
A video capturing the incident shows Biden placing his hand on the right arm of the 74-year-old monarch while shaking hands, causing the king to appear surprised. Subsequently, as they walked towards a stage for a troop review, Biden placed his hand on Charles’ back. The president’s movement appeared stiff, a condition noted by his physician in a February report, which stated that it had worsened since his foot injury in late 2020.
While it is traditionally against protocol to touch British royals, the king reportedly felt entirely at ease with Biden’s gestures. A source from Buckingham Palace informed People magazine that it symbolized a “remarkable display of warmth and affection” between the individuals and their respective nations.
{Matzav.com}
Biden needs his 12 hours of sleep – even with that he’s still SENILE
It’s not likely but it’s also possible that he was just looking for an excuse not to show up because the more time he hangs around the NATO summit the more pressure he will face to give money and troops
You can not blame the elderly from skipping a meal. The time of day and courtesy match be too much for them.
Biden clearly is too old for this office. He is swearing and cursing from his weaknesses and can not handle the changing year.
What about Zelenskyy? He is a Jew required to keep kosher and he is joining goyim for supper. He will no doubt eat their meats and dine on their wine.
It is hard to fully care about Zelenski’s mission when yiddishkeit is not part. I think Donald sees it right. Ukraine is soft attended.
I love this Biden guy. He’s doing a fantastic job. Look how many he fooled.