Biden’s press conference draws mixed reactions in Atlanta

ATLANTA — In his first news conference since a tough debate in Atlanta, President Joe Biden struggled to win back support amid growing calls within his party to drop out of the presidential race.

Several members of the Democratic Party and their supporters have expressed the need for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. During the conference, Biden addressed these concerns directly, emphasizing his qualifications and determination to stay in the race.

Allen English, a representative of the Atlanta Young Republicans, criticized Biden’s performance.

“I don’t think anyone expected much from this, and that’s exactly what we got,” English said.

English also noted that the president struggled to choose his words during the conference.

“He confused Vice President Harris and President Trump after he confused President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” English added, noting a series of verbal missteps.

In contrast, Bishop Reginald Jackson of the African Methodist Episcopal Church defended Biden.

“The fact is, Joe Biden has stuttered his whole life. So this stuttering problem is not new. He’s always had it, but he’s really been able to deal with it and come out of it very well. I think he came out of it very well tonight,” Jackson said.

Jackson, who endorsed Biden in his first Senate campaign, continued to support him, highlighting the president’s accomplishments over the past three and a half years.

“Joe Biden is an old man. He was old when he was elected in 2020, but look what that old man has done in these three and a half years,” Jackson said.

Despite Biden’s claim that he is the most qualified person to run for president, some Democrats have called on him to withdraw from the presidential race.

Biden, however, reiterated his commitment to the race, saying: “I am the most qualified person to run for president. I beat him once and I will beat him again.”

Both English and Jackson acknowledged the importance of undecided voters in the upcoming election.

“There’s still a long time until November, but I think most Republicans going into the convention in a few weeks are feeling pretty good,” English said.

Jackson expressed concerns about voter turnout, noting: “I’m concerned about the turnout in this election because there’s a lot of disenchantment with both candidates and both parties.”

With two weeks to go until the Republican National Convention and more than a month until the Democratic National Convention, both candidates have time to convince undecided voters.