Washington – President Joe Biden held his first solo news conference in eight months, addressing concerns about his cognitive abilities and the growing movement within his own Democratic Party to get him to step aside.
During the hour-long event, Biden confidently responded to questions about his health and ability to handle the stress of the presidency. He stated that he had taken three neurological exams as recently as February, all of which said he was in good shape. He also added that if his doctors recommended another exam, he would gladly do it.
At 81 years old, Biden also addressed concerns about his age, stating that aging brings wisdom and that he is capable of handling the job for another term. He also explained that his promise during the 2020 campaign to be a bridge candidate to a younger generation of Democrats was altered due to the gravity of the situation he inherited, including the economy, foreign policy, and domestic division.
The president also warned that American democracy would be in danger if former President Donald Trump were to return to the White House for a second term. He emphasized his accomplishments in handling foreign crises and the economy, but the focus of the news conference remained on the issue at hand – the movement within his own party to replace him.
When asked if he would consider stepping aside if his team presented data suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris had a better chance of defeating Trump, Biden responded that he would only do so if his aides told him there was no way he could win. He then dramatically whispered, “No poll says that.” It was a strong statement that showed his determination to continue fighting for the presidency.
But despite his confident and composed demeanor, there were a couple of gaffes during the news conference. Biden mistakenly referred to Harris as “Vice President Trump” and at another point, said, “I’m taking the advice of my commander-in-chief,” even though he himself is the commander-in-chief.
The calls for Biden to drop out have expanded beyond 16 Democratic Party members of the House. Even actor George Clooney, who hosted a record-breaking fundraiser for Biden, called on the president to be a hero for democracy by dropping out of the race.
But not all of Biden’s supporters have lost faith in his ability to win the election. William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who served as deputy assistant for domestic policy to President Bill Clinton, said that Thursday’s news conference was a good day for Biden and that it could potentially change the course of events.
However, Biden’s verbal slips and mistakes have caused some concern among his supporters. Some have compared it to former President Ronald Reagan’s cognitive decline in his second term and have expressed doubts about whether Biden would be able to win against Trump.
The president’s signature mix-ups were reminiscent of Reagan’s White House Rose Garden welcoming in 1982, where he introduced Liberian President Samuel Doe as “Chairman Moe.” In a debate two years later, Reagan appeared lost for words and fumbled with his notes, but he went on to win a landslide victory in the election.
In contrast, Biden’s mistakes have led to some Democrats questioning his suitability for a second term. Top officials at the United Auto Workers union even met to discuss their concerns about Biden’s candidacy.
But some Democrats, like Senator Debbie Stabenow, remain confident in Biden’s ability to win Michigan. She said, “I know he can win Michigan,” after the president’s senior advisers briefed Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill.
After the news conference, another Democratic congressman, Jim Himes, added his voice to the rising chorus expressing a loss of confidence in Biden’s ability to win reelection. He stated that the 2024 election will define the future of American democracy and that it is crucial to put forth the strongest candidate to confront the threat posed by Trump’s promised authoritarianism.
Despite these concerns, Biden remains determined to continue his campaign. He acknowledged his mistakes at the news conference and made light of them, showing that he has a sense of humor and is able to laugh at himself.
In the end, it will be up to the American people to decide whether Biden is the right candidate to lead the country for another term. But one thing is for sure – Biden will continue to fight for the presidency, no matter what challenges come his way.
