President Joe Biden is set to hold his first press conference since his contentious debate with Donald Trump, a critical moment that could impact his reelection prospects.
Scheduled during a NATO summit, the event is pivotal as Biden faces mounting pressure within his Democratic Party to consider stepping aside due to concerns over his age and health.
Described by the White House as a “big boy” press conference, Biden will be expected to demonstrate his ability to handle unscripted moments, which have been rare during his presidency. The outcome of this press conference, starting at 5:30 pm (2130 GMT) in Washington DC, could potentially sway the opinions of Democrats who have been cautiously observing his performance.
Calls for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 election have intensified, with figures like Hollywood actor George Clooney and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi withholding explicit support for his candidacy. Clooney, in particular, criticized Biden’s recent public appearances, expressing concern over his vitality compared to previous years.
Biden’s limited number of news conferences and interviews have raised criticisms about transparency regarding his health and age, issues exacerbated by his lackluster debate performance against Trump. The upcoming press conference is seen as a test of Biden’s ability to address these concerns and reassure both his party and international allies about his leadership capabilities.
The President’s recent explanations for his debate performance, attributing it to illness and fatigue from extensive travel, have not fully quelled doubts. Allies in NATO seek reassurances about his leadership amidst fears that a return to isolationist policies under Trump could undermine international relations.
While Biden remains committed to running in November, some Democratic leaders are reportedly exploring alternative approaches to encourage him to reconsider his candidacy before the Democratic convention in August. Vice President Kamala Harris is considered a potential successor if Biden decides to step aside.
Overall, Thursday’s press conference carries significant weight for Biden’s political future, potentially influencing the trajectory of the 2024 election and Democratic Party dynamics.