Biden Speaks
And delivers a strong press conference.
I’m on a train, with my computer, waiting for President Biden to give a press conference during the 75th NATO conference. Of course everyone is tense, waiting to see if Biden answers questions well. He’s walking in. As I listen to him now, he is making opening remarks about the importance of NATO. He sounds good. Are we always going to be on eggshells every time he speaks?
Some things he said during the press conference as I listen:
“I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in it to finish what I started. We’ve got more to do, to finish the job.”
“It would be better for me to pace myself, instead of working from 7 to midnight. I always had an inclination, whether it was sports or whatever, to just keep going. I need to pace myself.”
“I love my staff, but they add things.”
“And what has Trump done? Riding around in his golf course?”
He answered detailed questions about Ukraine.
“The best way to assure them is how I assure myself, am I getting the job done? There is no indication I am not getting the job done.”
“I’m not hearing my European allies say, Joe don’t run. They’re saying you’ve got to win.”
“I think I am the best qualified person to do the job so that the European line stays strong…..We’re making the world safer and stronger. I convinced a lot of people and we’re going to get stronger.”
He spoke a lot about the complications of China supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. He is very sharp.
“The other thing we talked a lot about how we need a new industrial policy in the west. The EU and NATO has to be able to provide their own munitions. It came as a suprise to some of us that we have fallen behind in creating vehicles and weapons. What do we do to increase the capacity in Europe and Japan the ability to produce weapons themselves.”
“I’m ready to deal with Putin now and three years from now. I’m dealing with Xi right now, but have no reason to talk with Putin. There isn’t any world leader that I won’t talk to. I’m not ready to talk to Putin unless he changes his behavior. Putin has a problem. They lie like hell to their constituencies. The idea that we can change Russia in the near term.”
“There is an inclination of the Chinese to keep talking because they aren’t sure where this will go.”
“There’s a lot of work to do, this is a moving target.”
He answers questions so well, and refers to the questioner in a way that makes it clear he knows their work and what their specialty is. He is showing his expertise and wisdom and humanity.
“What I said to Bibi is don’t make the same mistake the US did after Bin laden. Don’t occupy. Don’t down. It’s time to end this war."
WHen asked why he changed his mind from 2020 when he said he was a “bridge candidate” to a younger generation of Democrats: “What changed was the gravity of the situation that I inherited in terms of ecomomy and the domestic situation. What I realized was my long time in the Senate gave me the equipment to get things done. I want to finish it.”
“It’s important that I allay fears, let them see me out there. I’m going to be making the case that we cannot afford to lose."
“More children are killed by a bullet than any other way!”
“There’s so much we can do still. It’s about freedom!”
“Do you think our Democracy is under seige with this court? Do you think this democracy is under siege with Project 2025? There is so much at stake.”
“The only thing age does is it creates a little bit of wisdom if you listen. If my neurologist says I need another exam again, I’ll do it.”
“I served in the Senate a long time, and I understand the concern of people running as to whether the top of the ticket is going to hurt them. A lot can happen. I believe I am the best qualified to govern and to win.”
“There are other people who can beat Trump, but it’s hard to start from scratch.”
He ended the press conference saying he would only step aside if someone told him he couldn’t win. “No one’s saying that.”
This man showed his intelligence and wisdom tonight and a firm grip on substance.
Thank you for being here. See you tomorrow.
He is knowledgeable and articulate. He provided coherent explanations for complex situations on a diversity of topics.
The other guy can’t put one coherent, truthful sentence together. Read a transcript of any of his rants.
Glad that NYT finally said DT’s unfit.
Thank you Liza! It’s important to read and reread his quotes! He makes sense! He is knowledgeable and articulate! He is not boastful and he is not dramatic! He is forthright and honest. He is the best person to beat Trump and he will! Democrats need to stand with him and promote him instead of undercutting him!