During an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt on July 15, 2024, President Joe Biden defended his actions and rhetoric amidst rising political tension and safety threats.
The interview, broadcast without edits during a primetime special, touched on various issues, including the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and Biden’s controversial language.
Biden, 81, showed visible frustration when Holt scrutinized his debate performance and remarks about Trump. “Lester, look, why don’t you guys ever talk about … the 28 lies [Trump] told? Where are you on this?” Biden demanded. Despite Holt’s persistence about Biden’s apparent confusion during the debate, the President countered, “Seriously, you won’t answer the question,” reiterating that the media didn’t address Trump’s falsehoods.
When Holt brought up Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, Biden criticized Vance’s earlier statements about Trump, asking, “What’s up with you guys? Come on, man.” Biden pointed to Vance’s past criticisms of Trump, who had previously written, “I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical a–hole like Nixon who wouldn’t be that bad (and might even prove useful) or that he’s America’s Hitler.”
Biden conveyed his lack of surprise at Trump’s selection of Vance, 39, as his running mate. He explained it was not out of character for Trump to align himself with those who share his views. Later, Biden further criticized Vance to reporters, labeling him a carbon copy of Trump on policy issues.
Biden also defended his use of the term “bullseye” in relation to Trump, insisting it was meant to emphasize Trump’s policies, not to incite violence. “It was a mistake to use the word — I didn’t say crosshairs, I meant bull’s-eye, I meant focus on him, focus on what he’s doing,” Biden clarified.
Holt questioned Biden’s call for Americans to “lower the temperature” in light of the assassination attempt, noting that Biden’s continued criticism of Trump seemed contradictory. “This doesn’t sound like you’re turning down the heat, though,” Holt said.
The discussion also encompassed the role of the Secret Service in the security breach that occurred during the attempted assassination of Trump. While expressing faith in the agency, Biden also acknowledged questions about their performance. He expressed his feeling of safety with them but questioned whether they should have foreseen the incident.
Refuting suggestions of confusion, Biden defended his mental capacity and insisted on his ability to serve. “I’m on the horse, where have you been? I’ve done 22 major events … I’m on the horse, what I’m doing is going out and demonstrating to the American people that I’m in command of all my faculties,” he asserted. He also highlighted that Trump is merely three years his junior.
As the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, the interview highlights the ongoing examination of Biden’s age and capability. His vehement opposition to Trump and his efforts to address security concerns suggest the heightened political atmosphere and the obstacles lying ahead.
