CurrentReport Blog President Joe Biden of the United States is set to address his first press conference since his widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump. This high-stakes event, scheduled for Thursday at 5.30 pm (2130 GMT) in a Washington DC conference center, comes amid increasing pressure from within his own Democratic Party to reconsider his 2024 reelection bid due to concerns over his age and health.
The press conference, labeled a “big boy” event by the White House, represents a crucial moment for the 81-year-old president. Biden must demonstrate his ability to handle an unscripted and challenging press engagement, a rarity in his presidency, to quell rising doubts about his candidacy.
The backdrop to this event includes growing calls from prominent Democrats for Biden to step aside. On Wednesday, Hollywood actor and supporter George Clooney publicly urged Biden not to run, despite having recently hosted a fundraiser for him. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also refrained from endorsing Biden, suggesting he should make a decision post-NATO summit.
Adding to the pressure, Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont has joined at least eight House Democrats in calling for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. However, many party members are holding off on their final judgment until they see how Biden performs in this critical press conference, which will be his first solo appearance since November 2023.
Biden’s limited engagement with the press, often restricted to joint appearances with foreign leaders and a small number of questions, has fueled criticism that the White House is shielding him from public scrutiny. This press conference will test Biden’s ability to respond effectively to a broad range of questions and prove his capability to lead the nation amidst growing concerns about his age and mental acuity.
The outcome of this event could significantly influence the trajectory of Biden’s reelection campaign, potentially turning the trickle of Democratic dissent into a flood.
