DDuring Joe Biden’s press conference at the NATO summit, which many described as a test of the future of his re-election campaign, he demonstrated clarity and conviction on foreign policy. But at a time when America is intensely focused on his fitness to lead, it was overshadowed by some embarrassing gaffes and a shaky voice.
After about eight minutes of prepared remarks, Biden answered reporters’ questions about NATO, Ukraine, China and Israel, as well as questions about his cognitive health and vow to stay in the race.
“I’m determined to run, but I think it’s important to allay fears,” Biden said at one point.
The news conference is unlikely to be the defining moment some hope for, prompting a large number of elected Democrats to call on him to end his campaign — or decide that he cannot be replaced.
Here are the highlights:
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1. Biden’s foreign policy smooth, praises NATO summit’s success
Biden answered many questions about Ukraine, telling those who thought the days of NATO were over that Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was a “rude awakening” and led to “some of Europe’s oldest and deepest conflicts.” “Fear” is resurrected.
Regarding China, he said it must understand that the Chinese people will not “benefit economically” if Beijing provides information and capabilities to Russia or cooperates with North Korea to help Russia develop its armaments.
Regarding Israel and Gaza, he said he charted the course for a two-state solution because “the question has been from the beginning – what is the future for Gaza?”
He also said he knew it sounded “so selfish,” but that other NATO leaders had been thanking him and telling him he was “the reason we stick together.”
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2. He gave a clear endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris
Speaking of Kamala Harris, he said: “I would not have chosen her unless I thought she was qualified to be president. I have made no secret of that from the beginning. She is qualified to be president. That’s what I choose Her reasons.
He said Harris had dealt with women’s physical freedom issues and was “an excellent prosecutor.” But he also made it clear that if his campaign found out, he would not resign because the polls favored Harris. Instead, he said he would only withdraw if he knew he could not defeat Trump.
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3. But Biden made some big mistakes
Before the press conference, Biden introduced Ukrainian President Zelensky as “President Putin,” but he quickly discovered the mistake and corrected himself.
Then, at the press conference, he made a similar mistake. 當被問及如果哈里斯在競選中名列前茅，他是否擔心哈里斯擊敗川普的能力時，拜登表示，「如果我認為她沒有資格，他就不會選擇副總統川普擔任副總統」成為President”. He did not correct the mistake.
At the end of the press conference, a reporter asked about the gaffe, noting that Trump was already using it to point out Biden’s age and unfitness to serve as president. “Listen to him,” Biden said before walking off the stage.
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4. He denied reports he said he needed to go to bed early
Biden denied reports that he asked staff to end the event early so he could get more sleep, saying he never made the request. But he did say, “It would be smarter for me to pace myself.”
“Instead of starting every day at seven o’clock and ending at midnight, I’d better pace myself better,” he said.
He called Trump’s debate performance “a mistake” and said his schedule has been “full” since then.
Biden also took the opportunity to attack his opponent, saying that while he had held numerous events and rallies since the debate, Trump had done “almost nothing” and spent his time “hanging around.” [on] His golf cart, filling out his scorecard”.
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5. Biden says others can beat Trump — but they’re at a disadvantage
Toward the end of the press conference, Biden addressed the issue of continuing to run, even as he described himself as a bridge candidate to 2020 who would usher in a younger generation of Democrats.
“Others may win, but now they have to start from scratch,” he said.
He also said he still believed he was “the most qualified person to run for president.” He said he defeated Trump once and “I will defeat him again.”
