In a crucial moment for his re-election campaign, U.S. President Joe Biden is set to hold a press conference on Thursday, his first since a difficult debate with former President Donald Trump. The event, scheduled for 5:30 PM (2130 GMT) at a Washington DC conference center, comes amid increasing pressure from within his Democratic party regarding his age and health.
The press conference, described by the White House as a “big boy” event, is expected to test Biden’s ability to manage an unscripted scenario, a rarity in his presidency. A poor performance could amplify calls for him to step aside from the 2024 race, turning a trickle of dissent into a flood.
Prominent figures, including Hollywood actor George Clooney and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have hinted at the need for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Clooney’s recent op-ed in the New York Times was particularly critical, suggesting that Biden’s current state is a far cry from his vigorous 2010 persona.
As Biden prepares for this high-stakes event, many Democrats are waiting to see if he can regain momentum. His handling of the press conference could be pivotal in determining whether he remains the Democratic nominee or steps aside for a successor, with Vice President Kamala Harris viewed as a potential frontrunner.
The outcome of this press conference could have significant implications not only for Biden’s campaign but also for the Democratic party’s strategy going into the November elections.