President Joe Biden’s July 15, 2024, discussion with Lester Holt from NBC News, sparked controversy as he justified his public statements and actions amidst rising political discord and safety issues.
The unedited interview, broadcasted during primetime, tackled diverse subjects encompassing the recent assassination attempt on ex-President Donald Trump and Biden’s contentious language.
Biden displayed agitation when Holt probed his debate performance and remarks about Trump. “Lester, look, why don’t you guys ever talk about … the 28 lies [Trump] told? Where are you on this?” Biden questioned. Despite consistent questioning by Holt about Biden’s clarity during the debate, Biden replied, “Seriously, you won’t answer the question,” reiterating that the media didn’t discuss Trump’s falsehoods.
As Holt brought up JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, Biden criticized Vance for his past comments on Trump, asserting, “What’s up with you guys? Come on, man.” Biden referred to Vance’s previous disparagements of Trump. Vance had stated in 2016, “I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical a–hole like Nixon who wouldn’t be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that he’s America’s Hitler.”
Biden, without surprise, commented on Trump’s selection of 39-year-old Vance as his running mate. He stated it wasn’t unexpected for Trump to associate with individuals who fully agree with him. Later, Biden called Vance a duplicate of Trump on many issues.
The president also justified his use of the term “bullseye” in relation to Trump, clarifying it was intended to spotlight Trump’s policies, not to provoke aggression. “It was a mistake to use the word — I didn’t say crosshairs, I meant bull’s-eye, I meant focus on him, focus on what he’s doing,” Biden elaborated.
Holt questioned Biden on his urging Americans to “lower the temperature” following the assassination attempt, pointing out that Biden’s ongoing critique of Trump seemed contradictory. “This doesn’t sound like you’re turning down the heat, though,” Holt observed.
The dialogue also addressed the Secret Service’s responsibilities during the security lapse in the attempted assassination of Trump. Biden expressed trust in the agency but acknowledged doubts about their performance. He stated feeling secure with them but questioned whether they should have foreseen the incident.
Biden countered suggestions of mental confusion, asserting his capability to serve. “I’m on the horse, where have you been? I’ve done 22 major events … I’m on the horse, what I’m doing is going out and demonstrating to the American people that I’m in command of all my faculties,” he declared. He also highlighted that Trump is merely three years his junior.
On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden revealed his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, as reported by numerous news outlets. In his message to the American public, he expressed his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. This declaration followed rising worries regarding his mental capabilities. Biden’s choice has thrown the race into uncertainty, likely changing the path of the 2024 presidential election.