NATO leaders alarmed by Biden's health, debate performance
World media are speculating about President Biden's potential withdrawal from the upcoming elections after his debate with Donald Trump, during which he appeared confused. Leaders of NATO countries have also expressed concern about Biden's recent performance.
9:54 AM EDT, July 7, 2024
Let us recall that the Joe Biden-Donald Trump debate took place at the end of June. The discussion lasted 90 minutes with two commercial breaks and was held in a studio without an audience. The candidates were not allowed to use pre-prepared notes or props, only receiving a piece of paper and a pen.
They had two minutes to respond to a question and one minute for a possible rebuttal.
It was not the best day for the President of the USA. During the debate last Thursday, Joe Biden often seemed confused, stumbled, mixed up millions with billions, spoke softly and sometimes unclearly, didn't finish sentences, and looked blankly into space.
Later, Joe Biden sparked controversy with his Independence Day speech. His words once again surprised Americans. Biden's behavior concerns Democrats and leaders of other NATO countries.
NATO fears for Biden. Will there be a change of candidate?
As reported by the independent Russian portal Meduza, while preparing for the July NATO summit, diplomats and world leaders are expressing "urgent concerns" about Joe Biden's age and health, and his ability to win the presidency.
Now Biden must convince his allies that he is not only ready to fight but also capable of overcoming the political crisis to stay in the race.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that the president is old. We’re not sure that, even if he wins, he can survive four years more - said an official from a European NATO country.
Another EU official said that watching the debate was "painful." According to diplomats speaking to "Politico," concerns are raised not so much about Biden's condition but about his political position and re-election chances.
It seems to me that’s going to be very tough for him to pursue his campaign and to stay on - said one of the senior EU diplomats, adding that although replacing the candidate is in the hands of the Democratic Party, it should "consider all options."
Notably, U.S. allies are concerned about the security of European countries—especially in light of a possible Trump victory, who stated that countries not sufficiently funding the alliance would have to fend for themselves.
We’re having more conversations about our own defenses since it looks like Trump is coming back - said a NATO official after the Biden-Trump debate.
