Washington, United States

Amid concerns about how his advanced age might affect his ability to lead the United States for another term, President Joe Biden, at a star-studded campaign fundraiser event on Saturday (June 15) was seen standing still, staring into the crowd. 

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The 81-year-old had to be grabbed by his wrist and led offstage by his former boss, Barack Obama. This moment was captured on camera and occurred after a 45-minute interview with Jimmy Kimmel at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. 

Is Biden fit for another term in the White House?

The recent incident involving the octogenarian has once again sparked scrutiny over his fitness to lead the Western power. 

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Also read | Star-studded fundraiser for Biden's re-election campaign sets record with $30 million raised

Biden, as per videos of the incident, stood still for more than five seconds after waving to the crowd, following which Obama took his wrist and led him away.

Watch the video here:

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The video has once again sparked discussions online about Biden's mental state and fitness for another term.

Critics, including hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, questioned Biden's ability to lead.

"Biden is an old 81 who can’t find his way off a stage or stay present and focused at a G7 conference. Is that who should be the leader of the free world for the next five years?" he wrote on X.

"A president should not have to be led off stage by hand or with an arm wrapped around him. That is not the image of strength and leadership we need as a country," he added.

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'Disinformation' campaign

Biden's team, however, has slammed "disinformation" being spread against the US president.

Last week, a video of Biden purportedly wandering away from other leaders at the G7 was widely shared.

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Slamming the "disinformation", Biden's campaign spokesperson, Adrienne Elrod, said the video was edited to remove context showing Biden greeting parachutists who were part of a skydiving demonstration.

Videos from the fundraiser, shared by the Hollywood Reporter's Chris Gardner, fuelled speculation, but the White House and Obama's team dismissed claims that Biden required assistance. 

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates explained on X that Biden was merely appreciating the audience's applause.

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(With inputs from agencies)