Joe Biden pledges to press forward amidst NATO missteps and increasing Democratic appeals to step down | US News
Joe Biden remains determined to continue with his re-election campaign despite facing criticism for two major mistakes at the NATO summit and calls from some Democrats to step aside.
His participation in the summit in Washington was crucial for the 81-year-old following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump last month.
During the summit’s conclusion, he mistakenly referred to Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” before correcting himself.
“Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” Mr Biden said, mistakenly addressing Mr Zelenskyy before correcting his error.
“President Putin? I’m going to beat President Putin, President Zelenskyy. I am so focused on beating Putin,” he added.
Shortly after, while responding to journalists’ questions, he confused the names of Kamala Harris and Trump.
When asked about his vice president’s qualifications for the presidency, he said: “I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if she wasn’t qualified to be president.”
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Biden makes fresh gaffe in first question from media
Trump reacted to Mr Biden’s news conference with a post on his social media platform featuring a video clip of the president saying: “Vice President Mr Trump.”
Mr Trump sarcastically commented: “Great job, Joe!”
Despite the blunders, Mr Biden used the media Q&A to strongly defend his foreign and domestic policies, as well as his re-election campaign.
“I’m not doing this for my legacy. I’m doing it to finish what I started,” Mr Biden asserted.
President Joe Biden had to clear his throat a number of times during the news conference. Pic: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
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“My schedule has been extremely busy,” he stated.
“So, if I start slowing down and can’t get the job done, that’s a sign that I shouldn’t continue. But so far, there’s no indication of that – none.”
Nevertheless, there is a growing demand from lawmakers, celebrities, and other prominent Democrats for him to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Shortly after his appearances on Thursday, Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, released a statement suggesting that Mr Biden should “step aside”.
“The 2024 election will determine the future of American democracy, and we must nominate the strongest candidate possible to combat the threat of Trump’s promised MAGA authoritarianism.
“I no longer believe that candidate is Joe Biden, and I hope that, as he has always done throughout his public service, he will prioritize our nation’s interests and, as he pledged, make way for a new generation of leaders.”
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These developments follow Hollywood star George Clooney withdrawing his support, stating that Biden is no longer the same influential figure as in 2010.
In a guest article in the New York Times, the lifelong Democrat expressed: “”I have great respect for Joe Biden. Whether as a senator, vice president, or president, I see him as a friend, and I have faith in him.
“I trust in his character. I trust his values. In recent years, he has emerged victorious in many of the challenges he’s faced.
“But the one challenge he cannot defeat is the passage of time. None of us can.”
Meanwhile, NBC News, Sky’s US partner, has reported that the Biden campaign is evaluating the potential of vice-president Kamala Harris’ candidacy against Trump in a new poll.
