Two awkward Biden moments draw online scrutiny amid president's low approval ratings

Amid reports of record low approval ratings for his performance in office, President Joe Biden drew online scrutiny for two awkward moments which have fueled renewed concerns over his fitness to lead.

On Thursday, Biden offered somewhat blunt condolences for the passing of Jo-Ann Stores CFO Matt Susz, who died suddenly the day before. In a White House speech addressing efforts to curb inflation, Biden ripped international shipping companies but paused briefly to address the head of the company, saying "and by the way, my sympathies to your family of your CFO, who dropped dead very unexpectedly."

Pres. Biden to CEO of Joann Inc.: "My sympathies to the family of your CFO, who dropped dead very unexpectedly." pic.twitter.com/dAT0nuDaMe

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 16, 2022

The ungentle "dropped dead" description of Susz's death, prompted a torrent of jokes and criticism with many Twitter users disapproving of Biden's tone and word choice while others made references to oft-repeated concerns that the president may be experiencing mental deterioration.

In a Friday episode, first lady Jill Biden abruptly yanked her husband away from reporters as he attempted to answer questions about rising inflation.

The Bidens, and first cat Willow, were on their way to their home state of Delaware for the long weekend.

“It should not be this high,” he said to reporters, per the New York Post. “They’re making exorbitant profits, number one. Number two, I’ve contacted them, my team has, to ask what their plans are and to give any suggestions they have.”

“Number three, I think we’re going to be in a position where we’re gonna," he continued before his wife pulled him toward the plane, firmly stating "we gotta go!" The Friday episode also attracted a flurry of mockery, with commenters taking the first lady's assertive role in the moment as evidence of the presidents "cognitive issues." Others took issue with Biden's routine departures from Washington to his home state.

Biden's approval rating stood at 39% on Friday, per a USA TODAY/Suffolk poll. A staggering 47% of responders "strongly" disapproved of his performance.