Biden's NATO Summit Performance: Mixed Reactions from Democrats and GOP

President Biden's press conference at the 2024 NATO Summit elicited mixed reactions from Democrats and Republicans, with some Democrats expressing newfound confidence in his performance while the GOP remained critical.

President Joe Biden's highly anticipated NATO Summit news conference has sparked diverse reactions from Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats have expressed mixed emotions, some Republicans have declared it a win for former President Donald Trump.

Even among Democrats, there has been a shift in tone. Some who previously expressed concerns about Biden's age and performance have acknowledged a "strong" showing. One Democratic activist has even suggested that "people owe President Biden an apology."

Biden's NATO Summit Performance: Mixed Reactions from Democrats and GOP

This shift comes after a chorus of Democratic lawmakers and pundits had called for Biden to drop out of the race or raised concerns about his ability to lead. However, Biden's performance at the press conference appears to have tempered some of these doubts.

Meanwhile, a Trump campaign official told Fox News Digital that Biden's performance was sufficient to appease his supporters but reinforced concerns among the American public. The source criticized Biden's weakness and failure in addressing domestic issues.

Biden's NATO Summit Performance: Mixed Reactions from Democrats and GOP

Donald Trump Jr., a top surrogate for his father, described Biden's performance as "fine enough" to stay in the race but later posted a social media image blending Trump's and Vice President Kamala Harris' faces with the caption "Vice President Trump."

Veteran Republican consultant Dave Carney praised Biden's news conference, saying it "couldn't have been better" for him.

Biden's NATO Summit Performance: Mixed Reactions from Democrats and GOP

During the press conference, Biden initially misspoke by introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin." He corrected himself immediately, but later referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as "Vice President Trump" without correcting himself.

Biden's team and allies were quick to hail the event as a success, touting his thorough discussion of foreign policy. However, a source familiar with the Biden campaign noted that the press conference alone would not sway voters and that continued campaigning and travel would be crucial.

Biden's NATO Summit Performance: Mixed Reactions from Democrats and GOP

Some Democrats praised Biden's grasp of foreign affairs, with one White House deputy press secretary stating that Biden's expertise did not require a doctorate in the field.

Joel Rubin, a former State Department official during the Obama administration, described Biden's performance as "very strong," praising his ability to connect foreign policy to domestic concerns.

However, Democrats remain divided on whether Biden should suspend his re-election campaign. On Friday, California Rep. Mike Levin joined the growing chorus of House Democrats calling for Biden to step aside.

At least 10 House Democrats and one Senator have publicly expressed support for Biden ending his bid, while a growing number of Democrats have privately warned that he could lose to Trump in November.

Despite the mixed reactions, President Biden's performance at the NATO Summit has sparked both hope and skepticism among Democrats and Republicans alike. The road to November remains uncertain, and the outcome of the election will likely hinge on Biden's continued performance and the evolving political landscape.