An MSNBC panel featuring Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid reacted to Joe Biden’s “high-stakes” Thursday press conference, claiming he showed a “startlingly impressive command of the issues” despite underlying issues with the speech and his responses to pre-approved reporters.
Progressive journalists and even DEI White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre jokingly referred to the presser as Biden’s “big boy” press conference as he faces pressure from Democrats to drop out of the race following his poor debate performance and continued cognitive decline in recent weeks.
The Democrats and much of the left-leaning media are increasingly aware that it’s becoming difficult to maintain the image of Biden as a competent leader on the world stage. However, figures like Rachel Maddow are still attempting to portray Biden as “a master of the foreign policy field.”
Biden made several notable mistakes during the press conference, including calling Kamala Harris “Vice President Trump,” referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin,” and slurring his words.
When questioned about his gaffes and their impact on America’s image, Biden grew frustrated with the reporter.
Despite these issues, Maddow praised Biden, saying, “the way he talks about our relationship with our allies” is “impressive,” and asserted that he has been a master of foreign policy throughout his career in the Senate, as Vice President, and as President.
During the press conference, Biden also made an unclear reference to his “Commander-in-Chief,” leaving it ambiguous whether he was referring to “Dr.” Jill, DEI VP Kamala, or Barack Obama.
Although Biden insisted he is not slowing down and can still perform his duties, he frequently referred to his notes and struggled to identify the next reporter for a question, suggesting a pre-arranged format.
Senator Mike Lee responded to the press conference by sarcastically noting, “It was startling all right. But not in the way some had hoped.”
Maddow further commented, “He is not only strong on foreign policy, he is just fundamentally right on foreign policy and the way that he talks about it,” emphasizing Biden’s long-standing expertise and influence in foreign affairs.
Despite the ongoing criticism and questions about his cognitive abilities, Biden continues to assert his capability to lead and manage his presidential responsibilities.