President Joe Biden faced criticism on Thursday as he made several verbal gaffes during a crucial test that may impact his political future. In an unscripted news conference lasting over an hour after a three-day NATO leaders’ summit, Biden aimed to fend off calls for his withdrawal from the race against Donald Trump. However, his performance raised more questions about his capability to run for another term.
Before answering reporters’ questions, Biden made a significant slip by referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.” Though he corrected himself promptly, the error was noted. Earlier, during the NATO summit, he mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin,” but quickly corrected himself to “beat Putin.”
Biden also appeared to misstate economic data regarding inflation and debt under his administration and confused Asia with Europe while discussing an economic-themed trip. Despite having debated Trump previously, he remarked that “the campaign hasn’t started in earnest yet.”
Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, a high-ranking Democrat, suggested Biden should withdraw from the presidential race to allow the party to field a more robust candidate against Trump. Himes emphasized that Biden’s ongoing public service should come first in his decision-making.
Despite these stumbles, Biden displayed determination to run and highlighted his qualifications, citing job creation and legislative successes as measures of his effectiveness. He reassured that there were no indications of him slowing down, revealing he had passed three neurological tests as president.
Biden also fiercely addressed gun violence, pointing out that more children die from bullet wounds in the U.S. than from other causes. He criticized Trump for promising no action to curb gun violence.
Throughout the press conference, Biden reiterated his support for Vice President Harris, emphasizing her qualifications to be president. He acknowledged calls from fellow Democrats to step aside but remained unyielding about his candidacy.
Several Democratic lawmakers had expressed the need for a strong performance from Biden to garner continued support for his reelection bid. However, his verbal missteps fueled further Democratic dissatisfaction and drew mockery from Trump.
Biden seemed most at ease discussing Russia’s war in Ukraine, where he emphasized that the conflict must not allow Russian advances beyond Ukraine. He underscored the importance of NATO, stating that allied nations have increased their defense spending and underscored a strengthened transatlantic alliance under his leadership.
As Biden faces a growing list of Democrats calling for a change in the party’s 2024 nominee, his stance remains clear: he believes he can defeat Trump again and finish the job he began.