WASHINGTON — After two weeks of being under a microscope by members of his own party, President Joe Biden defended his fitness for office in a critical news conference on Thursday night.
“I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president,” Biden said. “I beat him [Trump] once, and I will beat him again.”
Biden defended himself for nearly an hour, fielding questions on his health and whether he could continue to do the job if he is re-elected to another term.
The President said he has taken three “significant and intense neurological exams,” including one in February, and would take another one only if his doctors recommend it.
“No one’s going to be satisfied, no matter what I do,” he said.
Biden was asked if he’s worried about his legacy if he stayed in the race, resisting calls from Democrats to step aside, and ends up losing to Trump.
“I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started,” the President answered.
The press conference came after two weeks of panic in the Democratic Party with over 14 House Democrats calling on Biden to step down.
The press conference did not come without two major gaffes. An hour before, when introducing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy during a NATO press conference, he mistakenly called him “President Putin”.
“Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” Biden said.
Realizing his mistake, Biden quickly corrected himself.
“President Putin? He’s gonna beat President Putin! President Zelenskyy,” he said.
“I’m better [than Putin],” Zelenskyy joked as he shook Biden’s hand.
When he was asked if he was confident Vice President Kamala Harris could replace him if necessary, he accidently referred to his opponent when attempting to say her name.
“Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be Vice President, to — think she was not qualified to be president. Let’s start there,” Biden said.
Still, Biden said he realizes the importance of allaying fears and plans to do so by letting the American people see him out on the trail as he makes his case for a second term.
Before he wrapped up his news conference, Biden warned of the dangers of a second Trump presidency and vowed he will finish the job and win re-election.
“Do you think our democracy is under siege based on this [Supreme] Court? Do you think democracy is under siege based on Project 2025?” Biden said. “Do you think he means what he says when he says he is going to do away with the civil service and eliminate the Department Education?”
“I mean, we’ve never been here before,” Biden said. “And that’s the other reason why I didn’t, as you say, ‘hand-off to another generation.’ I’ve got to finish this job. I’ve got to finish this job. Because there’s so much at stake.”
