President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the 2024 presidential race during a high-stakes press conference on Thursday. The 81-year-old President faced mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside, yet remained defiant, emphasizing his determination to finish what he started. "I'm not in this for my legacy. I'm in this to complete the job that I started," Biden declared at the rare solo press conference, marking a crucial moment in his bid for re-election.
The press conference, held at the conclusion of the NATO summit celebrating the alliance's 75th anniversary, saw Biden addressing a barrage of questions about his fitness for office. Despite occasional unclear answers and a raspy voice, Biden rejected claims that his mental acuity was slipping. "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," he asserted.
Biden's remarks came as a growing faction of Democrats, heavyweight donors, and party activists expressed concerns about his ability to secure a second term. However, Biden seemed unfazed by the criticism, stating, "I think I'm the most qualified person to run for president. I beat him once and I will beat him again. I've gotta finish this job because there's so much at stake."
During the press conference, Biden mistakenly referred to his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as "Vice President Trump," a slip that went uncorrected during the event but was later acknowledged in a social media post. "By the way: Yes, I know the difference. One's a prosecutor, and the other's a felon," Biden quipped on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The President faced further pressure as additional Democratic members of Congress publicly called for him to withdraw from the race. Reps. Hillary Scholten of Michigan, Brad Schneider of Illinois, Ed Case of Hawaii, and Greg Stanton of Arizona joined the chorus, along with Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut and Rep. Scott Peters of California, who released statements urging Biden to step aside.
"President Joe Biden is a remarkable leader of unparalleled public service, undeniable achievement and unconditional patriotism," Himes said. "It is because of those traits, and in consideration of that legacy, that I hope President Biden will step away from the presidential campaign."
Despite these calls, Biden remained resolute, dismissing the notion that he should reconsider his candidacy. "No, unless they came back and said there's no way you could win," he stated, adding in a whisper, "No one is saying that. No poll says that."
Biden acknowledged that other Democratic candidates could potentially beat Trump but insisted that he was the best qualified. "I believe I'm the best qualified to govern and I think I'm the best qualified to win," Biden said. "There are other people who can beat Trump, too, but it's hard to start from scratch."
The President's debate performance on June 27 had sparked panic among Democrats, with many questioning his ability to effectively challenge Trump. Biden admitted to making a "stupid mistake" during the debate, attributing it to a hectic travel schedule leading up to the event. He assured that such a mistake would not happen again.
Biden also addressed concerns about his stamina, rejecting reports that he would avoid campaign events past 8 p.m. due to fatigue. "The limitations that I've acknowledged that I have?" he said, disputing the premise of a reporter's question. "My schedule has been full. Where's Trump been, riding around on his golf cart, filling out his scorecard before he hits the ball? I mean, look, he's done virtually nothing."
While Biden's press conference showcased his resolve, it also highlighted the growing division within the Democratic Party. Hollywood actor and Democratic donor George Clooney, who hosted a Biden fundraiser just last month, published an op-ed calling for a different nominee to challenge Trump. Actor and director Rob Reiner echoed Clooney's sentiments.
In contrast, Biden's supporters, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, stood by him. Biden's campaign officials pointed to multiple paths to securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win, emphasizing a sweep of the "Blue Wall" states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin as the clearest pathway.
As Biden prepared to take his campaign to Michigan and participate in an NBC News interview next week, he reiterated his determination. "I'm determined on running, but I think it's important that I allay fears by letting them see me out there," he said.
