Biden improves, but Democrats still worry about gaffes, expert tells CNN

President Joe Biden’s press conference on Thursday night (11) generated a lot of attention and analysis, especially after the presidential debate that raised questions about his suitability for the position. International Relations professor Carlos Gustavo Poggio commented to CNN Prime Time Biden’s performance and its implications for the Democratic campaign.

According to Poggio, the interview was considered a “good night” for Biden, despite some characteristic gaffes. The president made two notable errors: he momentarily confused Vice President Kamala Harris’s name with Donald Trump’s and hesitated when listing Pacific Rim countries during a foreign policy briefing.

Change in campaign climate

The expert emphasized that the campaign context has changed significantly after the presidential debate. “Since the debate, the climate has changed profoundly. People will now pay attention to every gaffe Joe Biden makes,” Poggio explained. He noted that mistakes that would previously have gone unnoticed are now widely disseminated and discussed on social media.

The unprecedented attention given to Biden’s press conference is indicative of this shift. Poggio said, “I don’t remember a press conference getting the attention Biden’s did.” It suggests that the president’s every public appearance is being scrutinized, not just for its content but also for signs of his physical and mental fitness to lead.

Impact on the Democratic campaign

While the press conference was seen as an attempt to calm Democrats, Poggio said the goal was only partially achieved. “It seems to me that it was a night where the goal was to calm the Democrats down, but it didn’t calm them down completely, but at least he didn’t have any major problems,” the professor said.

Poggio concluded his analysis by suggesting that if Biden’s performance at the press conference had been similar to his performance at the debate, Democrats would be “a little bit more relaxed” today. But persistent small mistakes and heightened public scrutiny remain challenges for Biden’s campaign as the presidential race progresses.

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(Published by Raphael Bueno, from CNN Brasil)