Joe Biden held the most important press conference of his 54-year political career at the end of the NATO summit on Thursday. After his embarrassing performance in a debate with Donald Trump on June 27, all eyes are on the US president and what he will reveal about his cognitive abilities and mental gymnastics. More than their opponents, the Democratic camp was looking forward to the moment when they wanted to be enlightened. But almost an hour-long conversation with journalists did not change anyone’s opinion and the opportunity to clear doubts was lost.
Yes, Joe Biden called Volodymyr Zelensky Vladimir Putin and Kamala Harris Donald Trump, who replaced Europe with Asia when talking about microchips at a press conference in Washington, and said he was following the advice of the commander-in-chief, which of course meant the chief of staff. Repeated blunders in the US president’s speeches, no matter what, Biden immediately corrected the first gaffes, suggested by his supporters.
To his detractors, he reinforces the image of someone who, at 81, cannot secure another four years in the White House. According to Politico, there was a rumor that dozens of members of Congress had prepared a statement to release following Biden’s briefing. But the disaster they expected did not materialize. In the last few hours, nine representatives joined the 13 others in calling for withdrawal. Contrary to what happened in the debate, the North American president made himself heard, though, like his tone, a dull speech. Asked if he would reconsider leaving if his team told him Kamala Harris was in better shape, Biden denied such a hypothesis. “Unless they say, ‘There’s no way you’re going to win.'” He added: “Nobody said that. No poll said that.”
In this case, like his poor performance on Thursday, the polls are unclear. A conclusion can be drawn: the debate with Trump was viewed as a disaster among Democratic politicians and supporters, with no impact on his popularity, not even a rise in the rankings. Poll for NPR and PBS, Trump now leads with 50% over 48%. In other polls it’s flat and neither the vice president nor any other alternate name gets better results. The difference with other potential candidates is that 64% of Americans say Biden lacks the mental capacity for the position, while 38% of Democrats share the same opinion.
The same survey also confirms Donald Trump’s unpopularity: 68% say they are more worried about a president who doesn’t tell the truth than someone who is too old to hold office.
Pressure on Democratic campaigns may increase in another dimension: finances. As stated therein The New York TimesMajor donors say they have $90 million withheld until Biden gives up his seat.
With two traditional American parties competing in their name (Republicans, a former president twice impeached by the House of Representatives, convicted of libel and sex crimes, and Democrats for abuse, fraud and falsification, the current president has raised doubts about his mental health. Economist pointed out reforms The 1970s carried over party financing and the process of selecting presidential candidates. The reforms had the perverse effect of channeling donations received by parties to candidates or obscure groups. “Both parties have abdicated the most important task of choosing a candidate and left it to primary voters, and this time the options can win,” Democratic National Committee chairwoman Elaine Kamarck told the newspaper.
“Hardcore explorer. Extreme communicator. Professional writer. General music practitioner. Prone to fits of apathy.”