NATO summit and Biden's press conference on Thursday are a major test for the campaign

Top line

President Joe Biden will hold a rare solo news conference Thursday afternoon as part of the annual NATO summit in Washington, D.C., as he tries to allay concerns about his age after a surprising performance in a debate weeks ago led to growing calls to drop out of the race and make room for another Democratic candidate.

Highlights

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When is Biden's press conference?

Biden is scheduled to take questions live from White House reporters at 6:30 p.m. ET Thursday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where the NATO summit is currently taking place.

Where can I watch Biden's NATO press conference?

The White House will be broadcast live The news conference and cable news channels are likely to break from their regular programming to air the president's remarks.

Crucial Quote

“President Biden is scheduled to hold a solo press conference this week to allay concerns about his ability to run for reelection, which is great news if you want heart-pounding tension and you’ve already finished ‘The Bear,’” said “Late Night” host Seth Meyers. joked on Monday.

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Chief Critics

Bloomberg reporter Justin Sink initially characterized Thursday's event as big boys press conference in a brazen description that was repeated several times at the White House press conference by National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Sink asked Jean-Pierre whether the press conference would be more limited like many of Biden’s recent appearances and interviews have been, or whether it would be an open question-and-answer session. Some expect Reporters will use this opportunity to ask questions not about NATO, but about the future of the presidential campaign. The White House has been roundly criticized for using the language of the “big boys press conference,” which was repeated at least five times during the conference. Monday press briefing. Danica De Giorgio, Sky News presenter asked later“Are they going to take him to potty training next?” sparked a furore of jokes online. Donald Trump's former press secretary Sean Spicer called the descriptor “rather inappropriate” and other critics said it was difficult to take the administration seriously given the messages they received.

Key context

Biden's campaign was thrust into the spotlight after the president's disappointing performance in his first televised debate of the election season against President Donald Trump on June 27. Biden's message during the debate was unclear, he stumbled through his answers and appeared confused for much of the 90-minute event, casting doubt on his ability to handle the rigorous job for another four years. Voices on both sides of the aisle have since called for Biden to drop out of the race and hand the Democratic nomination to another candidate who could better face Trump in November, but Biden instead admitted that his debate performance was difficult, blamed a busy schedule leading up to the event for exhausting him and doubled down on his intention to stay in the race. On Monday, Biden wrote a letter to congressional Democrats that said: I can respond to all of this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I would not run again if I did not absolutely believe that I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024. So far, those calling for Biden to step down include Democratic Reps. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.); billionaire Biden supporters Christy Walton, Michael Novogratz and Reed Hastings; and the New York Times editorial board.

Surprising fact

Actor George Clooney on Wednesday called on Joe Biden to drop out of the race, weeks after helping to host a star-studded, $28 million fundraiser for the presidential candidate. He said Democrats have chosen to “ignore all the warning signs” about Biden's declining fitness for office. “Our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn't see what we just saw,” Clooney wrote, referring to Biden's debate performance.

Further reading

Forbes4 More House Democrats Say Biden Should Drop Out: Here Are Who Called on Biden to End His CampaignBy ForbesGeorge Clooney Says Biden Should Step Down To Save Democracy — Join These Other Celebrities Who Stopped Supporting BidenBy ForbesBiden tells Democrats he's 'firmly committed' to staying in race despite growing calls to drop outBy ForbesBiden interview: President refuses to take cognitive test, blames poor debate on cold and exhaustionBy ForbesRadio host who conducted Biden's first post-debate interview 'parts ways' with station after using questions provided by White HouseBy