GOP accuses Joe Biden of confusing his opponent after ‘George’ comment

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Republicans on Monday accused Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden of confusing President Trump's name during an interview -- though observers hit back by pointing out that Biden may have been referring to his interviewer, comedian George Lopez.

Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates denied any confusion, telling Fox News: "He was addressing George Lopez, the interviewer, as is a common practice - that is, unless, like Donald Trump, you blow a gasket and storm out because you can't stomach being fact-checked."

Biden made the comments Sunday at an "I Will Vote Concert" virtual campaign event while speaking with Lopez that featured a number of high-profile Hollywood names including John Legend, Dave Matthews, P!nk, Cher and more. 

"Not because I'm running, but because who I'm running against, this is the most consequential election in a long, long, long time," Biden said. "And the character of the country in my view is literally on the ballot. What kind of country we're gonna be? Four more years of George, ah, George... gonna find ourselves in a position where if Trump gets elected we're going to be in a different world."

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Republicans, who have taken pains to point out any verbal gaffe from Biden, clipped the video from the campaign event and shared it online and accused Biden of referring to former President George W. Bush. The video was posted to Twitter by the RNC Research account and GOP Rapid Response Director Steve Guest. 

Biden and his representatives have slammed Republicans for suggesting Biden might have mental acuity problems, with Trump even at one point suggesting Biden was taking performance-enhancing drugs. 

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Trump himself in a Monday morning tweet referenced Biden's comments.

"Joe Biden called me George yesterday. Couldn’t remember my name. Got some help from the anchor to get him through the interview. The Fake News Cartel is working overtime to cover it up!" Trump said.

Biden, age 77, is not the only high-profile politician to face health questions this year.

President Trump, age 74, was hospitalized with the coronavirus and his representatives were accused of being less than transparent when he was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment.