Concerns raised at press conference
President Joe Biden’s demeanor at a recent White House press conference raised concerns about his age and mental capacity. During the press conference, Biden frequently asked reporters to repeat their questions and trailed off in the middle of answers. These issues have contributed to voters’ growing concern about whether he can serve effectively as president.
Preselected questions and a controlled environment
The news conference marked a departure from Biden’s previous, more spontaneous interactions with reporters. This time, the White House limited questions to two pre-selected reporters. Fox News’ Peter Doocy noted that the controlled format marked a departure from previous, lengthy, freewheeling news conferences.
Trump details debate format
Former President Donald Trump, Biden’s opponent in the next debate, has revealed new details about the format of the event. Trump said there was a proposal to have the candidates sit at a table but rejected the idea, insisting on standing during the debate. The details shed light on the preparations and negotiations surrounding the upcoming showdown.
Scripted responses and restricted topics
During the press conference, Biden made extensive use of printed notes in his answers, including a detailed response to a question about the humanitarian crisis in Congo, a sign the White House had anticipated the questions. Two pre-selected reporters focused on topics such as Haiti, in keeping with the White House strategy of keeping Biden on message.
Future public statements
As the debate approaches, the White House is looking to minimize Biden’s exposure to surprise questions. Biden is expected to limit his public appearances and avoid discussing daily news topics until early June, when he is scheduled to visit France.
