President Biden is set to address reporters in his first solo press conference since a disastrous debate performance that raised concerns over his mental acuity. The nation weighs his health as the Democratic Party grapples with doubts about his re-election bid.
President Biden is slated to face the scrutiny of the press in his first solo press conference since his poorly received debate performance last month. The nation weighs his mental acuity amid growing concerns about his overall health.
Biden is expected to hold the news conference at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday after hosting NATO leaders in Washington, D.C. this week. The media has dubbed it a "big boy press conference," with the president fielding questions from reporters alone. It marks Biden's first solo press conference of the year and his first presser since facing off against former President Trump on June 27.
Biden Faces Grilling at Solo Press Conference Amid Mounting Scrutiny
Biden's health concerns have intensified following his poor debate performance, which sparked a flurry of concern within the Democratic Party. The president's 81 years of age and alleged declining mental sharpness have raised fears that it could hurt the party's chances against Trump in the upcoming election.
Since the debate, at least nine elected Democrats have called on Biden to withdraw from the race. Additionally, 23 Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and prominent lawmakers Adam Schiff and Jamie Raskin, have expressed concern over Biden's performance and his ability to run for re-election.
Biden Faces Grilling at Solo Press Conference Amid Mounting Scrutiny
In the wake of the criticism, Biden has vowed to remain in the race despite the rising concerns and calls for him to step aside. "I am running and going to win again," he declared in a speech in Madison, Wisconsin.
Pelosi, however, has suggested that Biden reconsider his vow, adding fuel to the party's turmoil. "It's up to the president to decide if he is going to run," she said. "We're all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short."
Biden Faces Grilling at Solo Press Conference Amid Mounting Scrutiny
Pelosi said she and other Democrats are observing how the week unfolds for Biden, implying that she urged fellow party members to refrain from publicly stating their thoughts on Biden until the week concludes. "Let's just hold off," she said.
Biden's NATO speech on Tuesday offered a departure from his earlier debate performance, earning some praise from social media commentators. However, prominent Democrats largely remained silent, with few publicly commenting on the speech.
Biden Faces Grilling at Solo Press Conference Amid Mounting Scrutiny
In addition to the NATO speech, Biden's schedule includes a full slate of meetings, including bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and a gathering with the AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of trade unions. The press conference stands as the most anticipated event on his agenda for both the media and the Democratic Party, as it provides an opportunity for the president to directly address reporters amidst mounting questions about his health.
Since the debate, Democrats and the media have consistently emphasized that Biden must increase his engagement with the press if he intends to remain in the race. "The only way for him and the campaign to respond is not by talking to senators or governors, because this is not a tell-me situation. It's a show-me situation," said Senator Peter Welch.
Biden Faces Grilling at Solo Press Conference Amid Mounting Scrutiny
Biden did sit for an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on July 5, but it failed to allay concerns about his mental fitness and age. Notably, when asked if he had undergone cognitive or neurological tests, Biden repeatedly dodged the question.
The president's public appearances this week hold significant implications for not only his campaign but also for America's global standing, experts say. "This week is pivotal for President Biden not only because of the intense interest in what he will be saying at his press events but also because this summit provides a clear example of restored American global leadership in support of our nation’s defense," said former State Department official Joel Rubin.
Biden Faces Grilling at Solo Press Conference Amid Mounting Scrutiny
Representative Mike Lawler emphasized the need for Biden to demonstrate his ability to serve the remainder of his term and beyond, as the world observes the NATO summit. "It is on President Biden to show he’s capable and up to the task," Lawler said.
