Biden digs in as gaffes highlight election concerns

A defiant Joe Biden insisted Thursday that he will run for another term as U.S. president and beat Donald Trump, as a string of verbal gaffes at a major summit threw a harsh new spotlight on his fitness.

In a high stakes press conference at the end of the NATO summit in Washington, the 81-year-old acknowledged the need to "allay fears" among Democrats but said he was determined not to step aside.

His bid to portray himself as in command was undermined by introducing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as his Russian foe Vladimir Putin earlier in the day, and then referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as "Vice President Trump" at the news conference.

Biden's candidacy has been in crisis since a disastrous debate performance against Trump two weeks ago renewed concerns around his age — and the rare solo press conference, lasting about an hour, was designed to show he still has what it takes.

"I'm the most qualified person to run for president. I beat him once, and I will beat him again," Biden said of Trump.

Already the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden said he was "not in this for my legacy" but to "complete the job I started."

The president has faced a steady drumbeat of Democrats calling for him to abandon his 2024 candidacy, fearing that Trump is in a position to beat him.

More calls from House representatives came Thursday night after the news conference.

Biden made clear he supported Harris — who as vice president would take over from him in the event of an emergency, but is also seen by a growing number of Democrats as a stronger candidate at the top of the ticket.

 'Pace myself'

Amid reports that Biden's campaign was quietly testing Harris's strength in a...