President Joe Biden has tried to downplay concerns about his re-election campaign, but a series of notable gaffes during the NATO summit on Thursday has renewed questions about his age and mental sharpness.
One major misstep occurred when Biden mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin at a NATO summit event, drawing gasps and immediate online mockery.
During his first response at a highly anticipated press conference, he further confused matters by referring to his vice president, Kamala Harris, as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
“Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president — did I think she’s not qualified to be president?” Biden said. “So let’s start there. Number one, the fact is that the consideration is that I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president.”
Biden tried to minimize the impact of his verbal errors, noting that world leaders had praised the NATO conference as a success.
However, the press conference was a crucial moment for Biden’s struggling campaign and possibly his last chance to show his competence and acuity before world leaders and lawmakers left Washington. Republicans quickly capitalized on his mistakes, posting video clips on social media.
Former President Trump joined in, sharing clips on his Truth Social site with the comment: “Great job, Joe!”
Despite Biden’s confident responses to questions on China policy and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, it was difficult to see how his performance could significantly alter the political dynamics following his poor debate showing.
Earlier in the day, the New York Times reported that some of Biden’s long-time advisers were discussing ways to convince the 81-year-old president to withdraw from the race. His campaign was also reportedly polling how Harris would fare against Trump if she were to lead the ticket.
Biden’s spokespeople insisted his team was united behind him, but the suggestion that his own advisers might be urging him to step down added a potentially serious blow to an already challenging week.
Biden firmly stated his intention to remain in the race, despite growing calls for him to step aside.
“I’m determined on running, but I think it’s important that I allay fears by letting them see me out there,” he said.
He dismissed concerns from allies about his irreversible mental and physical decline due to age, stating he would undergo further neurological testing if recommended by his doctors, although his medical team had seen no reason for concern.
“If I slow down and can’t get the job done, that’s a sign I shouldn’t be doing it, but there’s no indication of that yet, none,” Biden said.
The president mentioned that his schedule had been “full bore,” acknowledging the need to better pace himself. He emphasized that he is not in the race for his legacy. “I’m in this to complete the job I started,” Biden stated.