Biden appears frozen at fundraiser, Obama steps in to assist | VIDEO

New Delhi: President Joe Biden briefly froze on stage and required assistance from former President Barack Obama at the conclusion of a high-profile campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles, according to a report by the New York Post.

Biden remain motionless for 10 seconds 

The incident unfolded following a lively 45-minute interview with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel at the Peacock Theater. As Biden and Obama soaked in the applause from the audience, cameras captured Biden appearing to lock eyes with the crowd, remaining motionless for approximately 10 seconds. Obama then stepped in, guiding Biden offstage with a reassuring hand.

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Sparked debates about Biden's fitness

The moment quickly became fodder for internet commentary, renewing debates about Biden's fitness for office. Critics pointed to recent instances, including Biden reportedly wandering away from other world leaders at the G7 summit in Italy, questioning his readiness as the oldest sitting president in US history.

What White House said? 

In response, the White House dismissed criticisms, with Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates defending Biden's brief pause as an opportunity to appreciate the audience's support.

“Fresh off being fact-checked by at least 6 mainstream outlets for lying about @POTUS with cheap fakes, Rupert Murdoch’s sad little super PAC, the New York Post, is back to disrespecting its readers & itself once again," Bates responded on social media platform X, addressing the controversy.

Fundraiser was attended 

The fundraiser, attended by Hollywood A-listers such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand, proved to be a blockbuster success for Biden's campaign, raising over $30 million. During the event, Biden and Obama emphasized their shared goal of preventing Donald Trump from returning to power in what promises to be a pivotal electoral contest.