In a recent interview with NBC's Lester Holt, President Joe Biden was anything but reserved as he addressed a series of pointed questions, many revolving around his debate performance that had sparked criticism. The tension was palpable as Biden pushed back, especially when Holt relayed concerns from congressional Democrats who described his performance as appearing "confused."
"Why don’t you guys ever talk about the 18 – 28 lies he told? Twenty-eight times it’s confirmed he lied in that debate," Biden fired back at Holt. "I had a bad night. I wasn’t feeling well at all. I screwed up."
NBC: Did you re-watch the debate?
BIDEN: No.
NBC: Are you seeing what they saw? Moments of confusion.
BIDEN (creepy whisper): Why don't you guys ever talk about Trump? Where are ya!?
NBC: Just asking the questions!
BIDEN: *angry* pic.twitter.com/2mxZ5pxUCr
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 16, 2024
This fiery exchange was just one instance of Biden challenging his interviewer during a sit-down arranged before the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on Saturday. Holt pressed Biden on his unusual admission at a press conference where he stated he hadn't seen the debate that caused a significant stir within his party. Biden clarified he had seen parts of it. "I didn’t have to see it – I was there," he said, once again challenging Holt.
Biden continued his critique of the media, frustrated by what he perceived as a lack of focus on Trump's falsehoods. "Seriously, you won’t answer the question, but why doesn’t the press talk about all the lies he told?" Biden asked.
"Would you be open to doing [another debate with President Trump] in the next few weeks?"
BIDEN: No.
"Is there a sense of wanting to get back on the horse?"
BIDEN (confused): "I'M ON THE HORSE ... I don't need notes. I don't need a teleprompter!" pic.twitter.com/0t284S06Uo
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 16, 2024
When the topic shifted to the possibility of another debate before their next scheduled encounter in September, Biden was dismissive of the idea. "I’m on the horse. Where you been? I’ve done 22 major events" since the debate, he asserted, emphasizing his continued engagement with the public.
Holt's attempt to discuss Trump's selection of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate led to another confrontation. Biden redirected the conversation to criticize Vance's past comments about Trump from 2016. "See what he said about Trump. What’s with you guys? Come on man!" Biden exclaimed.
Cognitively Impaired Joe Biden is big mad reporters are actually asking him reasonable questions for once. Sad! pic.twitter.com/wL8fMk1o0c
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 16, 2024
The interview also touched on the probe Biden has requested into the recent shooting incident involving Trump. Biden expressed confidence in his security, stating, "I feel safe with the Secret Service." He urged the media to focus on substantive issues, "Sometime come and talk to me about what we should be talking about, okay? The issues."
Biden made it clear that his calls for unity and reducing political tensions do not equate to backing off from critiquing Trump. "I’m not the guy that said I want to be a dictator on day one. I’m not the guy that refused to accept the outcome of the election. I’m not the guy who said that wouldn’t accept the outcome of this election automatically. You can’t only love your country when you win," he stated emphatically.
On a day when the Republican National Convention aired an ad showing Biden stumbling while boarding Air Force One, Biden stressed the importance of accepting election outcomes and addressing real issues. "It matters whether or not you accept the outcome of elections. It matters whether or not you, for example, talk about how you’re gonna deal with the border instead of talking about people as being vermin," he concluded.