Biden confuses Trump and Harris on first question of ‘big boy’ press conference

President Joe Biden touted the qualifications of “Vice President Trump,” starting off his press conference Thursday evening with a gaffe.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Washington, Biden began answering a question about his faltering reelection bid by saying he believes in his vice president — while naming his opponent.

“I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if I thought she’s not qualified to be president,” Biden said. “So let’s start here.”

Biden’s remarks were highly anticipated as he’s fighting to stay in the 2024 race and tends to struggle the most during unscripted remarks or interactions with the press. The White House dubbed his rare solo event with the media a “big boy” press conference.

The Donald Trump-Kamala Harris mixup came at the beginning of his answer to the first question he was asked, which is unlikely to reassure nervous Democrats about his candidacy.

“The fact is that — the consideration is that I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president,” Biden continued. “I’ve beat him [Trump] once, and I will beat him again.”

Earlier in the evening, Biden mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin during an event at the 75th NATO summit.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” Biden told the crowd Thursday moments before his high-stakes press conference capping the summit.

Biden then corrected himself to say “President Zelensky” to a smattering of claps from NATO leaders gathered at the Washington, D.C., summit.