Washington, July 09, 2024, The Europe Today: In a surprising call-in to the cable news show “Morning Joe” on Monday, US President Joe Biden firmly rejected suggestions of cognitive decline and expressed frustration over calls for him to withdraw from the presidential race in favor of another Democratic candidate. This comes just ahead of a major NATO summit scheduled for Tuesday.
Biden’s Response to Critics
During the call, President Biden stated that he was becoming “frustrated” with the ongoing calls for him to step aside, asserting that anyone who believes they have the voters’ support is welcome to challenge him for the Democratic nomination at the party convention in August. In a letter to fellow party members, Biden wrote, “I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024… We had a Democratic nomination process and the voters have spoken clearly and decisively.”
White House Rejects Parkinson’s Disease Claims
The New York Times reported that Biden had been visited by a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease multiple times. However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied these claims during a news briefing, stating, “Has the President been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s? No.” Biden’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, also clarified in a letter that Biden “has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.”
NATO Summit Focus
President Biden is expected to use the upcoming NATO summit in Washington to reinforce his leadership capabilities, following a recent television debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump that raised questions about his age and cognitive abilities. The summit, celebrating NATO’s 75th anniversary, will address critical issues such as the war in Ukraine and countering China’s growing influence on the global stage. Leaders from non-member states New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea will also attend, marking the third consecutive year of their participation amidst increasing Chinese military presence in the Pacific.
Support for Ukraine
Ahead of the summit, outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a $43 billion aid package for Ukraine, noting a reduction from previous packages that is expected to decrease further next year. However, the recently approved NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) program is set to provide sustained support for Kyiv, especially in light of potential changes in US leadership. Trump has indicated that he would be less generous to Ukraine than Biden if elected in November.
The upcoming NATO summit will be a crucial platform for President Biden to demonstrate his continued leadership and commitment to both domestic and international issues amidst the ongoing political scrutiny.
