Biden condemned the attack as "sick". He called Trump to let him know he and the first lady were praying for him. Then, on Sunday, Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, pleading with Americans in a heartfelt speech to "lower the temperature".
The moment played to Biden's strengths as a compassionate leader determined to overcome political tribalism. But on Monday, Biden faced many of the same doubts and weaknesses that have dogged his reelection campaign since the start.
"I'm old," Biden conceded in an interview with NBC News's Lester Holt, that took place and aired on Monday. "But I'm only three years older than Trump, number one. And number two, my mental acuity has been pretty damn good. I've gotten more done than any president has in a long, long time ... I'm willing to be judged on that."
But many of Biden's verbal miscues and stumbles remain.
This story is from the July 19, 2024 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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This story is from the July 19, 2024 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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