For 75 years, NATO has kept America and the world safer.
NATO is the strongest defensive alliance in history.
And today, under President Biden’s leadership, our alliance is larger, stronger, better resourced, and more united than ever before. pic.twitter.com/koG5ZUmfXW
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 10, 2024
President Joe Biden faces a critical moment as he prepares for a solo news conference following the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. The event comes amid growing concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s age, health, and ability to secure a second term in the White House. Recent polls indicate that most of Biden’s supporters believe he should consider stepping aside, with 67% of respondents overall and 62% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents expressing this sentiment. Even some of Biden’s own backers view his age as a significant issue, with 85% saying he is too old for a second term.
Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks on the 75th anniversary of NATO. https://t.co/E199O90jDF
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 9, 2024
The concerns have been amplified by Biden’s recent debate performance against former President Donald Trump, which sparked widespread doubts about his cognitive abilities and overall fitness for office. Actor George Clooney, a prominent Democratic donor, penned a critical op-ed in The New York Times, suggesting that Biden should step down due to a noticeable decline in his stamina and mental sharpness. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who co-chairs Biden’s campaign, suggested that taking a cognitive test could help alleviate concerns about Biden’s ability to serve.
“I don’t think it would hurt,” Whitmer said, acknowledging that Biden’s debate performance was less than stellar. She also left open the possibility that Biden might choose to withdraw from the race. The Biden campaign’s unusual response to Clooney’s critique, comparing the president’s stamina favorably to the actor’s, has drawn attention.
President @JoeBiden and I fight for the American people.
Donald Trump only looks out for himself. pic.twitter.com/MYpYSRmTC6
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 10, 2024
Under our leadership, President @JoeBiden and I have created more than 15 million jobs and provided capital for small businesses to grow.
Let’s build on that momentum.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 10, 2024
Biden’s fitness scrutinized at summit
CNN’s Jake Tapper highlighted the campaign’s statement, noting that Clooney left a recent event three hours earlier than Biden. Jon Favreau, a former advisor to President Obama, echoed Clooney’s concerns, stating that many attendees at a recent fundraiser shared the actor’s assessment of Biden’s mental fitness.
Favreau recalled his own apprehension after the event, hoping that Biden’s upcoming debate performance would provide clarity. As the Democratic Party grapples with these challenges, some top Democrats have privately admitted they do not view Trump as the existential threat to democracy that they publicly proclaim, according to New York Times columnist Ezra Klein. This revelation has contributed to the growing uncertainty within the party regarding whether to continue backing Biden.
The upcoming news conference, set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, will be closely watched by Biden’s allies, doubters, and adversaries. Observers will be looking for any indication of stumbles or lapses that could either quiet critics or embolden calls for him to step aside. The length of time Biden remains at the lectern and the number of questions he takes from the press will also be scrutinized, as a quick exit could exacerbate concerns about his stamina and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party faces significant challenges and internal debates about the best path forward. Biden’s performance at the news conference and subsequent campaign activity will be critical in determining his viability as a candidate and addressing the growing concerns within his party.
