Biden’s Gila River Stop: What Did He Say to Stir Controversy?

Man in suit speaking in front of blue background.

President Joe Biden raised eyebrows during a recent rally in Arizona, where he stumbled through parts of his speech and referred to former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in the past tense, despite her being very much alive.

At a glance:

  • President Biden fumbled through a speech, referring to former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as if she were deceased.
  • Giffords, the wife of Sen. Mark Kelly, survived a 2011 shooting and remains active in public life.
  • The White House has downplayed Biden’s latest gaffes, calling them common among elected officials.

During an event at the Gila River Indian Community on Friday, October 25, 2024, President Biden struggled with his remarks, stumbling over names and even reassuring the audience that there was “nothing wrong” with him. In one moment, he praised Senator Mark Kelly and made a puzzling reference to Kelly’s wife, former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, saying Kelly “was married to an incredible woman who was my friend,” implying she was no longer alive. Giffords, a former Arizona congresswoman, survived a 2011 assassination attempt in Tucson and has remained married to Kelly since 2007.

Biden’s slip-up is the latest in a series of verbal blunders that have left many questioning his clarity and focus. Earlier in 2024, he mistakenly claimed to have spoken with deceased German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, a gaffe that drew widespread criticism. When pressed on Biden’s habit of mixing up facts and names, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended him, saying that misspeaking is common among public officials.

Despite the mix-up, Biden continued with his speech, describing his visit to the Indian Reserve as one of the most significant moments of his presidency. However, his confusing statements and the handling of Giffords’ mention have fueled renewed criticism from opponents, who argue that the President’s frequent gaffes raise questions about his competence.

The White House has yet to respond to requests for additional comments on the matter, but Biden’s continued verbal missteps remain a focal point for conservative critics.

Thank goodness this man will be out of office soon.