Biden stopped the bleeding, but the wound remains

As always, President Joe Biden’s “Big Boy” (that’s how press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described it) news conference started late. Thursday’s presser was scheduled for 5:30, but — whoops, sometime Thursday it was pushed back to 6:30.

It actually began at 7:27

This White House has a chronic tardiness problem, which translates to a proficiency problem. Why this acute inability to start events on time?

Is this how Biden thinks he shows solidarity with Black voters, through CPT?

Not CRT. CPT.

Either you know, or you don’t.

Biden’s two-part mission: Make people forget the catastrophic debate. Make Americans believe he is a focused, robust leader.

An F would end the debate as to whether Biden should step aside. Democrats would be cranking up a Richard III solution. An A would stem the rising tide. 

Biden stood at a podium flanked by TelePrompTers, knowing style was more important than substance at this high-stakes show.

Here’s my rating on his first solo presser since last November went: 

B.

Here’s why: He was fine during the eight minutes he worked off prompter, and rightfully praised NATO’s effectiveness. He closed that segment with three political points: 1) inflation is declining, 2) his efforts to control the border is “working,” and 3) his Mideast cease fire plan is moving forward.

Sorry, not earthshaking.

Then he took questions from 10 reporters, and he  worked without prompter and without notes. I noticed him occasionally glancing at cards, which may have listed reporters’ names. The entire event lasted 58 minutes.

He spoke extemporaneously, if with a raspy and froggy voice.

But, his energy was low and he tripped over the occasional word, and made a serious gaffe when he referred to his running mate as “vice president Trump.” (During the NATO summit he introduced Ukrainian President Zelensky as “President Putin,” although he quickly corrected himself.)

He had a tendency to ramble and also to fail to finish sentences.

The good news was that he had command of the facts, particularly on foreign policy.

In this arena, he criticized Israel as being “less than cooperative” on the issue of speeding aid to Gaza. He also referenced trying to bring a “ceasefire” to the region, while not acknowledging a permanent ceasefire would be a victory for Hamas.

He also took a swipe at Donald J. Trump as someone who fills out his golf score before hitting the ball.

There were repeated questions about his ability to continue as a candidate, and as a president.

With a grin he said, “I’m not hearing my European allies saying, ‘Joe, don’t run.’” 

There is no question he is still running.

Will the presser end calls for him to step down?

No, but I believe he has slowed them.