US President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin during the NATO summit in Washington. Biden quickly corrected himself, but the incident has fueled the debate about his physical and mental fitness for the presidency.
After his disastrous TV debate with Donald Trump, every action and statement from Biden is being closely analyzed. His appearance at the press conference at the NATO summit is seen as the next test for him, which he must master.
The press conference comes as some Democrats have raised concerns about Biden's age and acuity. Allies and donors have even called for him to drop out of the race against Trump.
Biden's slip-up could reinforce doubts about his mental fitness for a second term, as he has to prove himself after the TV duel. The press conference will be streamed live and closely watched by his allies, doubters, and enemies.
It could either rejuvenate his presidential campaign or provide more proof for those calling for him to step aside. Biden has defied growing calls to end his race, even as polls show him falling further behind Trump.
Some of his advisers are reportedly working on ways to get him to drop out, while the Biden campaign is also quietly testing Vice President Kamala Harris's strength against Trump. The incident at the NATO summit highlights the scrutiny Biden is under and the importance of his press conference performance to regain confidence in his candidacy.
