German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, speaking after this week’s NATO summit in Washington DC, described President Biden as a “highly focused” leader and warned not to underestimate him.
Scholz, who has been a vocal supporter of Biden’s leadership in recent months, was asked by PBS News whether he still believed the president could beat former President Trump, given his dismal performance in last month’s debate.
“I’m not the kind of person who can say what the outcome of the US elections will be,” Scholz replied, “but I think it would be a big mistake to underestimate the president. He has been successful in doing what is needed, for example organizing the NATO alliance.”
“His leadership has been crucial over the past few years and months, and in preparing for this meeting here in Washington. He is also a successful campaigner,” he continued.
Scholz later said he had not seen any signs from Biden in the past week that suggested he could not handle another four years in office, as some lawmakers and political commentators had argued after the presidential debate.
“From my perspective talking to Biden, I can say he is very focused and very intent on doing what a U.S. president needs to do to lead the alliance,” Scholz said.
He said he watched last month’s debate because everyone in Europe is “interested” in American politics because the United States is “the most powerful superpower in the world.”
Asked if he had any concerns after watching the debate, Scholz said: “I think he made his case and made the case for why we need good cooperation globally with our democratic friends and allies – democracies.”
“He was very clearly focused on issues of national politics,” he added.
Biden is facing growing pressure from within his Democratic Party to drop out of the 2024 presidential race amid concerns he will not be able to beat Trump or serve another four years in office.
Speaking at a news conference after the NATO summit on Thursday, Biden defended his chances as the party’s nominee, asserting he is the best choice to take on Trump.
“I believe I’m the best person to govern,” Biden said, “and the best person to win. But there are other people who can beat Trump. But it’s all starting from scratch. And, you know, we’re talking about the money we’ve raised. We’re not bad.”
