Slip-ups to addressing health concerns: Key takeaways from Biden’s press conference

US President Joe Biden faced the much-anticipated challenge on Thursday – a solo press conference where he was questioned by the White House press corps.
The purpose of this news conference was to reassure discouraged Democratic lawmakers, allies, and persuadable voters in the upcoming election that Biden still possesses the strength and stamina required to be president.
Biden has blamed his dismal debate performance on “feeling terrible” due to a cold, as he sought to save his reelection campaign.
Here are the key takeaways from Biden’s first solo news conference:
Slip-up came early
During the press conference, President Biden made a notable gaffe early on when he mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.” The slip-up occurred while explaining his decision to choose her as his running mate, believing she could defeat Trump in an election.
Prior to the news conference, Biden had already committed a significant blunder at the NATO summit, which instantly lowered expectations for his performance. While introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden accidentally said, “Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.” The mistake immediately elicited gasps from the audience. Realizing his error, Biden quickly corrected himself, turning to Zelenskyy and saying, “President Putin? You’re going to beat President Putin.”
When a reporter brought up Biden’s reference to “Vice President Trump” and pointed out that the presumptive Republican nominee’s campaign was already capitalizing on the slip-up, the President remained defiant. “Listen to him,” he said before exiting the stage, refusing to engage further with the question or acknowledge the potential impact of his mistake.
On Kamala Harris being a potential replacement
When asked about Harris’ capability to take over his role, Biden affirmed his confidence in her qualifications, stating, “I wouldn’t have picked her unless I thought she was qualified to be president,” and highlighted her experience as a prosecutor and US Senator.
However, when questioned further, Biden admitted that he had shifted away from his 2020 campaign promise to serve as a “bridge” to a new generation of Democrats.
He attributed this change to “the gravity of the situation I inherited,” without mentioning his vice president. Biden emphasized his commitment to completing his current responsibilities, repeatedly asserting, “I’ve got to finish this job.”
On Israel-Gaza war
Biden announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire framework, although some details still need to be finalized. He mentioned that he had dispatched his team to the region to work out the specifics of the agreement.
“That framework is now agreed on by both Israel and Hamas. So I sent my team to the region to hammer out the details,” Biden said in a news conference.
The President also stated that the conflict between Israel and Gaza must end immediately, and that Israel should not occupy the enclave once the war concludes. Additionally, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of some of his initiatives in Gaza, particularly the planned closure of the US military’s humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza. “I was hopeful that would be more successful,” he said.
Will Biden drop out of the race?
President Biden dismissed concerns about his capability to serve another term, despite stumbling over a reference to Donald Trump early in the press conference.
“I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started,” Biden asserted, emphasizing that his support among voters remained strong and that he would continue his campaign and secure victory.
Regardless of any missteps, the president countered all implications that he was slowing down, exhibiting significant signs of decline, or struggling to lead effectively. However, he faced increasing pressure from politicians, public figures, and prominent members of the Democratic Party to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
“My schedule has been full bore,” he affirmed. “So if I slow down and I cant get the job done, that’s a sign that I shouldn’t be doing it. But there’s no indication of that yet — none.”
“I’m determined on running but I think it’s important that I allay fears — let them see me out there,” he concluded, expressing his commitment to the campaign while acknowledging the need to address any apprehensions about his candidacy.
On health concerns
President Biden has affirmed that his health remains robust and that he is open to undergoing an additional neurological examination to assess his cognitive abilities if his medical team advises it.
The President disclosed that he has already undergone three rigorous neurological evaluations, with the most recent one taking place in February. He stated, “I am in good shape,” based on the feedback from his physicians. Currently, there are no recommendations from his doctors for him to undergo another such examination.
(With agency inputs)