Embattled Biden to Give High-stakes news Conference
US President embattled Joe Biden will Thursday give his first press conference since his high-stakes debate disaster against Donald Trump, in a pressure-cooker moment that could seal the fate of his reelection bid.
Please remember the following:
The 81-year-old will be the center of attention at a NATO summit, as he faces increasing pressure from his Democratic party to step down due to his age and health. The White House has labeled it a “big boy” press conference, and Biden will be under significant pressure to demonstrate that he can handle what has become a rare unscripted moment in his presidency.
Any mistakes by Biden at the 5:30 pm (2130 GMT) event at a conference center in Washington DC could lead to a surge in calls from Democrats urging him to withdraw from the 2024 election bid. The pressure intensified on Wednesday when Hollywood actor and supporter George Clooney advised Biden not to run, just weeks after hosting a glamorous fundraiser for the president.
Party heavyweight and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi also subtly twisted the knife by stopping short of backing Biden, saying only that he should decide the NATO summit.
ALSO READ: NATO Backs Ukraine Despite Doubts about Biden’s Re-election
The first Democratic senator, Peter Welch of Vermont, meanwhile joined at least eight House Democrats in openly urging the man who beat Trump in 2020 not to stand again.
But many Democrats are believed to be waiting to see if Biden pulls off his first solo press conference since November 2023, or whether it will be a repeat of the debate.
Embattled Biden has given fewer news conferences than his predecessors. His recent appearances have been joint appearances with foreign leaders restricted to two questions each.
Coupled with a lack of interviews, it has led critics to accuse the White House of shielding the effects of age on America’s oldest president from the public.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has confidently pledged that Thursday’s “big boy press conference” will indeed include multiple questions, a phrase she’s embraced from a journalist. A lackluster performance at the conference could significantly heighten concerns about Biden’s age and health, particularly after his lackluster and often incoherent appearance opposite 78-year-old Republican Trump. NATO allies are also actively seeking assurance about Biden’s leadership abilities and are apprehensive about the potential risks the alliance could face if the isolationist Trump were to return to power.
In a recent New York Times article, George Clooney pointed out that Joe Biden’s performance at the recent debate was not up to his usual standard. Clooney mentioned that he noticed signs of Biden’s struggle at a fundraiser in June and expressed concern about his ability to win the presidential election.
ALSO READ: Biden Should Withdraw From 2024 Election After Debat Lloyd Doggett Says
Despite this, Biden has stated his commitment to running in November, and Democratic leaders are considering different approaches to address the situation. There are discussions about appealing to Biden’s rational side rather than forcing him out. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris is considered a potential replacement, but any decision would need to be made before the Democratic convention in August.