US President Biden also used his press conference after the NATO summit to promote his election campaign. He reiterated that he would not withdraw his candidature for the election. During the appointment, his appearance was especially under scrutiny.
US President Joe Biden does not intend to withdraw his renewed bid for the highest government post. He confirmed this at a much-anticipated press conference at the end of the NATO summit in Washington.
He's not running because of his legacy, but “to finish the job I started.” He will win the race. He won't do this “if I slow down,” he assures me, and he can still do his job.
Slips of the tongue but no foul
A televised spat with former President Donald Trump recently went sour for him, prompting doubts about whether the 81-year-old has the mental and physical fitness to serve another term.
About a dozen Democratic lawmakers have so far called for an end to Biden's candidacy. A particular focus at the press conference after the NATO summit was whether Biden would allow himself to make further slips and weaknesses.
Not long ago, he mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” at a joint meeting, but quickly corrected himself. During the press conference, he called his Vice President Kamala Harris “Vice President Trump” in response to a question from Reuters reporter Jeff Mason. However, as the hour-long conference continued, he didn't noticeably lose the thread and there were no missteps.
ARD reporter Nina Barth on Biden's appearance
The American media literally zeroed in on him. And the President of the United States had some tough questions to face. So, after his admitted limitations, a reporter wanted to know how Biden would fare next year or the years to come? At this point, Biden interrupted and wanted to know what kind of restrictions he was talking about.
A Financial Times reporter said he was referring to reports that Biden had agreed to go to bed earlier, around 8 p.m.
Biden tried to appear calm. He often laughed that it was not true that it was wise to start the day at 7 a.m. every day and not go to sleep at midnight.
A warning about Trump
At the start of the press event, Biden noted the accomplishments of this week's NATO summit. “Today, Kiev still stands and NATO is stronger than ever.” He warned against Trump returning to the White House.
Since leaving office, Trump has repeatedly made it clear that he is not committed to the security alliance. “But I have made it clear that a strong NATO is essential to American security, and I believe the obligation to assist in Article 5 is sacrosanct,” Biden said.
Biden emphasized that the future of American politics is in the hands of the people. The election is about more than American politics, it's about American national security. The Allies told him that he had to win and that “he” could not be allowed to show. The idea of Trump returning to the White House worries Europe.
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