Biden’s press conference will be a key test for him. But he’s no master of the big rhetorical moment

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has a fresh opportunity Thursday to try to prove to the American public that he’s capable of serving another four years after his shocking debate flop threw the future of his presidency into doubt. But Biden is not known as a master of the big rhetorical moment and his recent cleanup efforts have proved inadequate.

Biden, 81, will close out the NATO summit in Washington — an event meant to showcase his leadership on the world stage — with a rare solo press conference. His stamina and effectiveness are under the microscope like never before and he’s struggling to quell the Democratic Party’s panic about his chances this November.

Biden’s shaky June 27 debate performance is causing cracks in the White House.
Internal drama, leaks and second-guessing swirls.

• The White House has since faced many questions about Biden’s health and medical history. Here’s the latest.
• Behind closed doors, Senate Democrats have expressed deep concerns about whether Biden can win November’s election.
• The mood for Democrats on Capitol Hill is grimly uncertain, as Biden faces calls to drop out of the race.

By many metrics, from job growth and major legislation to the expanded transatlantic alliance, Biden can point to successes during his tenure in office. But where he has sometimes failed — spectacularly, in the case of the debate — is at a defining part of the role that isn’t in the official job description: delivering inspiring oratory that commands the attention and respect of the nation.

Biden has tried to step up his performance since the debate but his follow-up interview on ABC last week was disappointing. Nothing he’s tried seems to be stopping the bleeding, with more lawmakers calling for him to bow out