With calls for Joe Biden to step down growing louder, many believe the U.S. president’s press conference on Thursday was a “make-or-break” moment.
Biden’s June 27 debate performance drew criticism from some, including Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, leading to concerns about his ability to win the presidential race and serve another four years in the White House.
But Thursday’s hour-long press conference didn’t really move the needle, said Carolyn Kissane, associate dean in global affairs and global security at New York University, in an interview with CTV’s Your Morning.
“If you went in full support, wanting Biden to stay as Democratic nominee, I think there is going to be continued support because he did not fail last night,” Kissane said. “He had some strong messaging.”
Biden did “much better” overall, Kissane opines, improving from an F grade for the debate to a B for the press conference.
“I think he redeemed himself with the conference,” she said. “I think he did very well last night on foreign policy.”
Even with the improvement, she says Biden made two major gaffes. He called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “President Putin,” and referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
Beyond the “cringe moments” Thursday night, she said it would be impossible to ignore his age. In his presidential run for a second term, Biden is 81.
For the full interview, watch the video above.