President Joe Biden of the United States faced a crucial moment on Thursday night as he took the stage at a news conference following the NATO summit.
With his presidency, re-election hopes, and political future on the line, Biden delivered an hour-long session, dismissing concerns about his campaign and recent performance.
During the conference, Biden downplayed worries about his age and capacity to serve another term. “If I slow down and can’t get the job done, that’s a sign I shouldn’t be doing it,” he stated. “But there’s no indication of that yet.”
This appearance came after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump, where Biden, 81, faced heightened scrutiny over his capabilities. At the NATO summit, he made two significant gaffes: introducing Ukraine’s President Zelensky as “President Putin” and mistakenly referring to Vice-President Kamala Harris as “Vice-President Trump.”
Despite these errors, Biden remained upbeat and determined, promising to finish the job he started in 2021. “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” he said.
However, the fallout from his mistakes has led to increasing pressure within his party. “More Democratic members of Congress are calling for Biden to step down,” reported Anthony Zurcher. At least a dozen lawmakers have publicly urged the president to reconsider his campaign.
Biden, however, remains resolute. He mocked the notion that Democratic delegates would withdraw their support, saying, “It’s not going to happen.” He also pointed to recent polling, such as an Ipsos survey showing him only one point behind Trump, as evidence of his viability.
Yet, the president’s campaign faces significant challenges. More Democratic politicians are reportedly poised to voice their concerns, and donors are growing anxious. Upcoming high-profile interviews, including one with NBC’s Lester Holt, will be critical tests for Biden.
Amidst the turbulence, Biden’s message is clear: he is not stepping aside easily. As he insisted, “I’m the best-qualified person to run this country,” demonstrating his determination to fight on despite mounting pressure.
