Staff Reports
It appears that President Joe Biden's most recent press appearance at the 75th NATO summit did little to patch up the Democrats' apparent family rift. Despite Biden's one-hour speech reiterating his commitment to remain in the 2024 contest, there were noteworthy defections within his own party. Despite his best efforts, the President's advantages in foreign policy were unable to overcome the pressing domestic issues that surrounded former President Donald Trump.
Consider Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, who promptly joined the chorus of Democrats calling for Biden to withdraw as the nominee. Reps. Eric Sorensen of Illinois and Scott Peters of California shortly followed suit, stoking the flames even more. Biden has insisted that he will run for reelection and concentrate on fewer stage-managed events, but it is evident that the Democratic base is beginning to fray.
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It was quite the show, Biden's open attempt to gain confidence with a press conference fit for a "big boy." It left much to be desired as he faltered through a preapproved list of reporters, reiterating his commitment. Biden mispronounced Vice President Kamala Harris's name and confused her with none other than his Republican opponent, among other famous gaffes. Undoubtedly, Trump's team was keen to capitalize on the blunder.
Speaking of slip-ups, during his statements regarding the Ukraine Compact, the President managed to confuse Russian President Vladimir Putin with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. These mistakes weren't quite the self-assured show that Biden had hoped would allay worries about his mental faculties. However, he attempted to downplay the question, offering justifications such as the necessity to pace oneself, when it came to concluding his public schedule by 8 p.m.
Naturally, Biden took advantage of the occasion to disparage Trump, attacking his predecessor's dedication to NATO while fumbling with a teleprompter. The fact that he kept clearing his throat suggested that "Kyiv" was a bit of a mouthful for him. To be honest, it came off more as desperate posturing than inspiring speech, despite his best efforts to portray America as the world's leader and an indispensable country.
Democrats' responses were, at best, muted. Even Democratic strategist Stefan Hankin conceded that it was "alright," if not outstanding. Tim Ryan, a former Democratic congressman from Ohio, said that Biden's string of errors gave his opponents additional leverage. The President's future is less clear than a swamp in August, with at least 17 congressional Democrats now calling on Biden to go, as well as unwavering advisors like Mike and Steve Donilon and Jen O'Malley Dillon failing to muster the troops.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut encapsulated the party's apprehension when he said that although Biden may have eased some worries, he exacerbated others. All that remains for the President's team is to promote an ambiguous rerun plan via the "blue wall" states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. It's more wishful thinking than a concrete plan, though, as polls show these states to be tied.
Ultimately, Biden's staff convinced doubters that the President would not be surpassed by anybody else in the race against Trump. Given the current situation, one can ask if that is actually a badge of honor or if it is just the unfortunate truth of the Democratic Party's situation. Although Biden hasn't yet visited battleground states like Texas, Michigan, and Nevada, one can only hope he keeps track of his location and the person he's speaking with.
