Biden confirms that he will continue his campaign even amid criticism

At a news conference seeking to dispel doubts about his physical abilities, US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he feels he is the “most qualified person” to run for president and said he was willing to “beat” his opponent Donald Trump “again.”

“I’m not doing this for my legacy,” Biden said in response to questions from the media about the consequences of doubts about his physical ability to lead the country. “I’m in this (campaign) to finish the job I started,” he added.

During his 2020 presidential campaign, the president had claimed that he would be a “bridge” for future generations of the party. However, when asked about “what has changed” since then, he explained that he decided to seek reelection due to “the situation” he “inherited” in terms of the economy and foreign policy.

“I’m determined to run (for president) … We have the most extensive campaign organization that anyone has had in a long time … I’m going to be going around making the case for the things that I think we need to get done,” Biden said, noting reproductive rights and gun control as some of his priorities.

Asked if he would be willing to take another neurological exam to determine his fitness to continue in office, the president said he has taken three of them, the most recent in February. However, “I am surrounded by doctors every day” and “if they think I should take another neurological exam, I will.”

NATO summit was a “success”

Before answering questions from the press, Biden said that the NATO summit was “a success,” highlighted the agreements in favor of the defense of Ukraine and gave an account of the American efforts to support the Ukrainian government since the beginning of the war.

He also outlined his three priorities as addressing inflation, securing the border through executive action and “ensuring” a ceasefire in Gaza.

The press conference coincides with the end of the 75th edition of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit held at the Washington Convention Center, the same venue from which Biden delivered his remarks.

“NATO is stronger than ever,” Biden said, while referring to his predecessor, Donald Trump, as having “no commitment” to the alliance. “Now, future American policy depends on the American people,” he added.

Donors, supporters and Democratic lawmakers have expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to continue his re-election campaign after his recent performance in the presidential debate against Donald Trump.

“A lot of work to finish”

“The idea that senators and congressmen would be concerned about the nomination is not unusual. And I could add at least five sitting presidents or incoming presidents who had lower numbers than what I have now,” Biden added, in response to skepticism from his fellow supporters.

Biden reiterated that he would continue his campaign because “we have a lot of work to finish.” He also denied that decisions such as holding events earlier in the day to rest are a physical limitation.

“If you look at my schedule since I made that stupid mistake in the debate, my schedule has been completely full. Meanwhile, Trump is in his golf cart,” he said.

The president was questioned about his remarks at an earlier event on Ukraine, in which he mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy as “President Putin,” before quickly correcting himself to gasps from those present.

Asked if this “hurt America’s standing in the world,” Biden said that this NATO summit had been, in his opinion, “one of the most successful.”

On the other hand, the future of the US in NATO in the event of a possible victory by Trump, who has been a critic of the alliance, was also present in the press conference. Asked if European leaders should “get ready”, Biden replied: “My European allies are not asking me not to run. What I hear them saying is that if this man wins (Trump), it would be a disaster.”

“I believe I am the best qualified person to do the job of ensuring that Ukraine does not fall, that Ukraine succeeds and that the European Alliance remains strong,” he said.

About Kamala Harris

In light of the role taken by Vice President Kamala Harris, who would replace the president if he were unable to continue his work, Biden said that “her accomplishments and attributes over the past four years make her ready to serve from day one.”

Asked if he would be willing to “reconsider” the decision to seek reelection if his “team showed him data” that Harris might have a “better shot” at Trump than he does, he replied that “no one is saying that” and “no poll says that.”

With just over a month to go until the Democratic convention, where Biden is expected to be elected as the party’s official candidate, the president was asked whether delegates would be able to “vote with their conscience” even if it were against him.

“They are free to do whatever they want. But I have overwhelming support… If I show up at the convention tomorrow and they say they want someone else, that is the democratic process, but it is not going to happen,” he concluded.

This is the first time Biden has faced the press alone since last November. This brings the president’s 37th press conference during his term in office to his first. Of these, he has been alone in 15 of them.

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