Biden opens high-stakes press conference by calling Kamala ‘VP Trump’ but doubles down on running in November

Joe Biden accidentally referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” as he answered his first question at a closely watched, high-stakes press conference while under pressure from Democratic officials to end his re-election campaign against his Republican rival.

Biden responded to several questions about his fitness for office and his viability as a candidate against Donald Trump after the 81-year-old president appeared to unravel during a presidential debate against him two weeks ago.

Biden arrived on stage on Thursday facing a mandate from Democratic officials and voters to prove he is up to the task of campaigning against Trump for the next four months, let alone serving another demanding four-year term in the White House.

“Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump, to be vice president, if she's not qualified to be president." he said, before correcting himself.

Asked later whether he would step down if polling data showed that Harris would fare better against Trump, he whispered: “No one’s saying that.”

Biden, who frequently cleared his throat and garbled his responses, faced several urgent questions from reporters about his viability as he navigated relatively complex statements about foreign policy and US posture.

The president insisted he is staying in the race and remained optimistic about his chances and his political future, pointing to his record in office and renewed global alliances during this week’s NATO summit.

“The fact is,” Biden said, “I’m the most qualified person to beat Trump. I beat him once, I’ll beat him again.”

“Where’s Trump been,” he said at one point. “Riding around on his golf cart, filling out a scorecard before he hits the ball?”

Asked whether he can reassure