President Joe Biden’s interview on July 15, 2024, with NBC News anchor Lester Holt, turned contentious as the president defended his rhetoric and performance amid escalating political tensions and security concerns.
The interview, aired unedited as a primetime special, covered a range of topics including the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and Biden’s use of heated language.
Biden, 81, became visibly agitated when Holt questioned his debate performance and comments about Trump. “Lester, look, why don’t you guys ever talk about … the 28 lies [Trump] told? Where are you on this?” Biden exclaimed. Holt persisted, asking Biden if he appeared confused during the debate. Biden retorted, “Seriously, you won’t answer the question,” repeating that the press didn’t talk about the lies Trump told.
When Holt mentioned Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, Biden criticized Vance for past statements about Trump, saying, “What’s up with you guys? Come on, man.” Biden referred to Vance’s past criticisms of Trump. In 2016, Vance wrote, “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 expressed that he wasn’t surprised by Trump’s choice of Vance, 39, as his running mate. Biden explained that he did not find it unusual that Trump would surround himself with people who completely agree with him. Later, Biden criticized Vance to reporters, calling him a clone of Trump on the issues.
The president also defended his use of the term “bullseye” regarding Trump, insisting it was meant to highlight Trump’s policies, not 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 challenged Biden on his call for Americans to “lower the temperature” following 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 interview also addressed the Secret Service’s role in the security breach during the attempted assassination of Trump. Biden expressed confidence in the agency but acknowledged questions about their performance. He said he felt safe with them but raised the question about whether they should have anticipated what happened.
Biden defended his mental acuity, pushing back against suggestions of confusion and asserting 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 stated. He also pointed out that Trump is only three years younger than him.
The interview underscored the ongoing scrutiny Biden faces regarding his age and capability, particularly as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies. The president’s firm stance against Trump and his efforts to address security concerns reflect the heightened political climate and the challenges ahead.
