After a series of slips of the tongue and poor performances that raised doubts about his health, US President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech at the start of the NATO summit. This time, he managed to do so without mishap – probably in no small part thanks to the help of a teleprompter.
NATO is celebrating its 75th anniversary – Biden is even slightly older than the alliance at 81. At the ceremony, he delivered a combative opening speech in which he made no mistake. Biden’s every move is currently under scrutiny amid the debate over the 81-year-old’s physical fitness.
The US president must have breathed a sigh of relief after his NATO speech. Because unlike his TV debacle a week and a half ago against his Republican challenger Donald Trump, Biden did not lose the thread.
Biden spoke forcefully and clearly
This was largely due to one of Biden’s loyal aides: the teleprompter. Biden read – as is customary at such events – the full text of the prompter’s speech. When NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked him on stage for his performance, he usually did not look at him directly, but rather read the text. Biden awarded Stoltenberg the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian awards. Hanging up the medal also went smoothly. Biden spoke – unlike in the TV debate – powerfully and much more clearly.
The press conference at the end of the summit calls for spontaneity
In any case, Biden does not usually make the biggest blunders when he reads speeches from a teleprompter. It will be difficult for the 81-year-old when he speaks freely. Then he regularly mixes up names and places, does not finish sentences or thoughts and is sometimes very difficult to understand. That is why the real test for the American president is still pending: on Thursday he wants to give a press conference at the end of the NATO summit. He will have to respond spontaneously – the teleprompter will not be able to help him.
Biden promises Ukraine more equipment
Biden announced that the US and other NATO countries want to provide Ukraine with additional equipment to defend against Russian air attacks. A joint statement spoke of “additional” Patriot air defense systems. In addition, dozens of tactical air defense systems – such as those of the Nasams or Iris-T type – should go to Kiev, the report said. “These systems will further expand and strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.” The joint statement came from, among others, the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Italy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been warning for months that additional Patriot systems are needed to protect Ukrainian cities and metropolitan areas. The US has already supplied the attacked country with them and also regularly supplies it with Patriot missiles. Germany even delivered three of these defense systems. Romania offered a new country in prospect.
The war in Ukraine is one of the main topics at the NATO summit in Washington. The heads of state and government of the 32 member states of the defense alliance are celebrating the 75th anniversary of NATO.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
