Biden Faces High-Stakes Press Conference at NATO Summit

Critical Test for Reelection Prospects

Questions to Address Ukraine, Inflation, and 2024 Campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden participated in a high-stakes news conference on Thursday, facing questions that could have significant implications for his political future.

The press conference came on the sidelines of the NATO summit, where Biden has been meeting with world leaders to discuss the war in Ukraine. It was Biden's first solo news conference since March 2023, and the scrutiny was intense.

Reporters pressed Biden on a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the rising inflation rate in the United States, and whether he plans to run for reelection in 2024. Biden defended his handling of the war in Ukraine, saying that he believes the sanctions imposed on Russia are working and that the US will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine.

On inflation, Biden acknowledged that it is a serious problem, but said that he is taking steps to address it, including releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and working with Congress to pass legislation that would lower costs for American families.

Regarding the 2024 election, Biden said that he has not yet made a decision on whether he will run. However, he said that he believes he is "the best person to lead the country" and that he is "not going to let the noise and the chatter distract me from my job."