US President Joe Biden is set to hold his first press conference since his challenging debate with Donald Trump, a pivotal event that could influence the outcome of his re-election campaign. The 81-year-old leader will address global observers at a NATO summit, amid increasing demands from his Democratic party for him to consider stepping down due to concerns about his age and health. The White House has characterized this event as a 'big boy' press conference, indicating the high stakes for Biden to demonstrate his ability to manage an unscripted situation. Any errors during this 5:30 pm (2130 GMT) session at a Washington DC conference center could significantly sway more Democrats towards urging him to withdraw from the 2024 race. This pressure intensified when actor and supporter George Clooney recently advised Biden not to run, following a high-profile fundraiser for the president. Additionally, prominent party member and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refrained from endorsing Biden, suggesting he should decide post-NATO summit. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont and several House Democrats have openly called for Biden not to seek re-election. However, many Democrats are awaiting the outcome of this press conference to determine if Biden can successfully navigate this solo appearance or if it will mirror his previous debate performance. Biden has conducted fewer news conferences than previous presidents, often appearing alongside foreign leaders and limiting questions, prompting critics to argue that the White House is shielding the impact of age on the nation's oldest president from public view. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has assured that this 'big boy press conference' will include multiple questions, a phrase she adopted from a journalist. A subpar performance could exacerbate concerns about Biden's age and health, which were heightened during his debate with Trump. NATO allies are also seeking reassurance about Biden's leadership, amid fears of a return to isolationist policies under Trump. Biden attributes his debate struggles to a bad cold and jet lag from extensive foreign travel. However, Clooney highlighted in a New York Times article that signs of Biden's decline were evident even at a June fundraiser in Los Angeles. Clooney expressed that the Biden he saw at the fundraiser was not the vibrant leader of previous years. He warned that Biden could lose the presidency, potentially leading to losses in both congressional chambers for the Democrats. Despite these challenges, Biden remains determined to run in November, with primary votes already secured. The New York Times reports that some Democratic leaders like Pelosi are appealing to Biden's rational side, rather than confronting his political tenacity. Vice President Kamala Harris is considered the leading candidate to succeed Biden if he steps down, but any such decision would need to occur before the Democratic convention in August.
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Text: Lara Palmer
11.07.2024
US President faces pivotal press conference following debate setback and party calls for withdrawal