The 79-year-old commander-in-chief was attending an event for the Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership on Tuesday when photographers snapped a picture of him flipping through pages of notes. The typed note gave Biden step-by-step instructions on what to do during the meeting and referred to the president as “YOU” in bold red letters. “YOU, [Indonesian] President Widodo and [Japanese] Prime Minister Kishida will take a photo right before the event begins,” one bullet read. Additional instructions said, “You will sit in the center” and “You will make opening remarks (5 minutes).” The notes also reminded Biden, “You will close the event with YOUR co-hosts.” A close-up photo of Biden’s notes shows extremely detailed instructions printed in red ink, with the president referred to as “YOU.” AFP via Getty Images reminded Biden to sit in the center and speak for 5 minutes. AFP via Getty Images At the top and bottom of the sheet, the memo’s unidentified author printed a stark reminder for Biden to turn the page for his opening statement.
This is not the first time Biden has been caught using stage directions during public engagements. During a June meeting with wind industry executives, Biden accidentally flashed a comically detailed piece of paper instructing the president to “walk into the Roosevelt Room and say hello to the attendees.” It also read: “YOU take YOUR seat” and “YOU give short comments (2 minutes).” In July 2021, Biden accidentally showed a note from an employee alerting him that there was something on his chin. In June, Biden accidentally dropped a “cheat sheet” that called for the president to “greet” attendees at a meeting. Shawn Thew – Pool via CNP / MEGA Biden’s frequent and well-documented reliance on cue cards has fueled speculation among his critics that the septuagenarian has experienced cognitive decline. Biden, who turns 80 on Sunday, said during a recent interview that it’s “perfectly legitimate” for voters to question whether someone his age can serve a possible second term in the White House — but he urged people to judge alone if he is physically and mentally fit for office. “I think the best way to judge is to watch me,” he said. “Am I slowing down? Am I going at the same pace?’