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President Joe Biden, under the microscope as Democrats debate his political future, tried to make the case that he is best suited to take on Donald Trump this November and finish what he’s started in a second term.
In a nearly hourlong solo press conference, Biden faced a room full of reporters for the first time since his poor debate performance two weeks ago sent his party into a panic about his mental fitness and ability to carry out his campaign.
Almost all questions posed to the president focused on those issues, with Biden on defense on everything from his cognitive health to whether he believes his vice president could take on the role.
The president remained adamant that he believes he is the most qualified person to go up against Trump.
«I beat him once, and I will beat him again», Biden said.
Here are several key takeaways Biden’s press conference.The gaffes continue
Answering the first question of the night, Biden made a glaring error when he confused Vice President Kamala Harris with Trump.
«Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president, if I didn’t think that she’s not qualified to be president, so let’s start there, number one», Biden said after being asked if he had concerns about Harris’ ability to beat Trump if she ever found herself at the top of the ticket.
He also addressed the mistake he made earlier Thursday during the NATO summit when he introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as «President Putin.»
A reporter asked him about the gaffe and whether, when paired with some reports that world leaders privately expressed concern about his age, America’s standing on the world stage was being damaged.
«Do you see any damage by me leading this conference?» Biden responded. «Have you seen a more successful conference? I was talking about Putin and I said — at the very end — I said, ‘Putin. I’m sorry, Zelenskyy.'»Biden: ‘I’ve gotta finish the job’
Biden said he realizes the importance of allaying fears and plans to do so by letting the American people see him out on the trail making the case for why he should get a second term.
