President Joe Biden said, “I have to finish the job,” but made a glaring mistake by confusing Kamala Harris with Donald Trump.
Under the spotlight as Democrats discuss his political future, President Joe Biden aimed to prove he is best suited to face Donald Trump next November and complete what he started in a second term.
In a solo press conference lasting nearly an hour, Biden faced a room full of reporters for the first time since his weak performance in a debate two weeks ago sparked panic within his party about his mental fitness and ability to campaign.
Nearly all the questions posed to the president focused on these issues, with Biden defending everything from his cognitive health to whether he believes his vice president could take on the role.
The president remained adamant that he believes he is the most qualified person to face Trump.
“I’ve already defeated him once, and I’ll do it again,” Biden stated confidently.
Here are several key points from Biden’s press conference:
The Gaffes Continue
In response to the first question of the night, Biden made a major blunder by confusing Vice President Kamala Harris with Trump.
Biden said after being asked if he had concerns about it: “Look, I wouldn’t have chosen Vice President Trump to be vice president if I didn’t think she was qualified to be president, so let’s start there, number one.” Referring to Harris’s ability to beat Trump if she found herself at the top of the ticket.
He also addressed the mistake he made earlier on Thursday during the NATO summit when he introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin.”
A reporter asked him about this slip and whether America’s standing on the global stage had been damaged, when coupled with some reports that world leaders had secretly expressed concerns about his age.
“Do you see any damage through my leadership of this conference?” Biden replied. “Did you see a more successful conference? I was talking about Putin and said – at the end – Putin. I’m sorry, Zelensky.”
Biden: “I Have to Finish the Job”
Biden said he recognizes the importance of allaying concerns and plans to do so by letting the American people see him explaining why he deserves a second term.
He spent considerable time decrying gun violence, attacks on reproductive rights, and the broader dangers he said a Trump presidency would pose.
“Do you believe our democracy is at risk because of the Supreme Court’s decisions? What about Project 2025—do you think it threatens our democratic principles?” Biden asked. “Is he really serious about dismantling the civil service and doing away with the Department of Education?”
“I mean, this is completely uncharted territory for us,” Biden remarked. “Also, as you pointed out, that’s one more reason why I haven’t yet handed over the reins to the next generation. I need to see this through; there’s just too much on the line.”
Biden Says He Needs to “Pace” Himself
Biden said he needs to “pace himself a little” when pressed about how he handles the 24/7 nature of the presidency but noted that he remains busy while his 2024 rival does not.
“Since I made that stupid mistake in the campaign – in the debate, my schedule has been dull,” Biden said.
“Where was Trump? Cruising in his golf cart while jotting down his scores?” Biden said. “He’s done almost nothing. I’ve participated in nearly 20 major events, some of which had thousands of people attending.”
Biden said he’s always had a tendency to “keep going” and that his staff constantly adds events.
Biden Admits Others Can Beat Trump but Says He’s Most Qualified
Biden has long argued that he alone can defeat Trump after doing so in 2020.
“I think I’m the best qualified – I know – I think I’m the best qualified to govern,” Biden said. “”I believe I possess the most suitable qualifications to emerge victorious.”
He acknowledged, “But there are other people who can beat Trump too,” before quickly adding it would be “difficult” for Democrats to start from scratch.
A reporter then followed up by asking Biden if he would reconsider his decision to stay in the race if his team showed him polling data indicating that Vice President Harris would be better at facing Trump.
“No, unless they came back and said there’s no way to win. I’m it,” Biden said. “No one says that. No poll says that.”
Biden continues to run neck-and-neck with Trump: Americans are split 46-47% between Biden and Trump if the election were held today. If Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic candidate, the poll found Harris leads Trump 49-46% among all adults and 49-47% among registered voters.
On Cognitive Testing, Biden Says: “No One Will Be Satisfied”
When asked if he would take a cognitive test before the election, Biden said he would if his doctor advised him to.
Biden said he’s had three “significant” neurological exams during his presidency, the most recent in February.
“They say I’m in good shape,” he added. He then reiterated that his cognitive abilities are “tested every day” just by doing his job as commander-in-chief.
“Biden observed, ‘Here’s another question: no matter what I do, it feels like pleasing everyone is just impossible. “Did you have seven (doctors)? Did you have two? Who did you have? Did you do this? How many times did you do it – so, I’m not opposed if my doctors tell me I should do another neurological test, I will, but that’s where I am.”
Biden Takes a Hard Stance on Russia and China
The press conference followed a week-long meeting of NATO leaders in Washington, and Biden seized the opportunity to emphasize his leadership on the global stage during several exchanges.
Regarding Russia and China, Biden said he is “ready to deal with them now and three years from now.”
Biden said no world leader has spent more time with Chinese President Xi Jinping than he has, and they will continue to negotiate. On Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said he sees “no good reason” to speak with him now but would be prepared to do so.
“Biden expressed confidence in his readiness to engage with any world leader, emphasizing his preparedness for diplomatic dialogue.”