On Thursday, amidst health concerns and following a challenging debate with Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden held his first press conference since November 2023.
At the NATO summit on July 11, Biden mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin.” Although he quickly corrected himself, the gaffe added tension. Biden’s public appearances are often scrutinized for his health, and this press conference highlighted the protective measures his advisers have created around him. His performance in a late June debate with Trump had already plunged the Democrats into a crisis.
The White House described the event as a “big boy” press conference, despite the potentially infantilizing tone. Biden spent an hour answering reporters’ questions, showing both effort and limitations. He reaffirmed his candidacy, considering himself “the most competent” and best suited to face Trump. “I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m here to complete the job I started,” he stated. His words left room for interpretation among Democrats about his decision to stay in the race.
Biden made two notable gaffes during the press conference, which Trump supporters highlighted. When asked about Kamala Harris’s qualifications, he mistakenly referred to “Vice President Trump.” Later, he mentioned following the advice of his “commander in chief,” likely meaning the chief of the general staff. Despite these missteps, Biden demonstrated his expertise in foreign policy, making detailed statements on US-China relations, microprocessor manufacturing in the US, support for Ukraine, and the war in Gaza. While nothing groundbreaking emerged, he projected competence, if not vitality. His performance is judged by his errors, both made and avoided.
