Biden calls out Republicans for Arizona abortion ban dating to 1864 - then botches which century we're in while coining a new campaign slogan: 'Elect me. I'm in the 20th Century'

President Joe Biden took a question tossed right over the plate at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida about abortion, then immediately botched his answer by saying he was 'in the 20th Century.'

The Arizona state supreme court's shock ruling once again injected abortion politics into the 2024 campaign, raising the prospect of a near-total ban on the procedure based on a state law that precedes its own statehood.

The president, who is campaigning on a bid to restore abortion protections, was asked about it at the tail end of a press event where he read from a script during a delicate answer about the war in Israel, calling U.S. support 'ironclad.'

Queried about his message to Arizonans facing a ban on abortion, Biden had a short answer, which he flubbed and then corrected.

'Elect me. I'm in the 20th Century - 21st Century,' Biden said.

20th Century Man: Biden called on people to 'elect me' after the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that would effectively ban abortion in the state

It came on a topic that could determine control of the Senate and the White House. The ruling came just a day after rival Donald Trump unveiled his latest position on abortion, and called for states to determine what abortion rights should exist within their borders. 

Biden kept on his sunglasses throughout the presser, under a bright sun on a warm day in D.C. – with his shades sometimes reflecting papers he consulted.

He appeared to lose his patience after reporters jumped to question him after the standard 'two-and-two' format where the White House wrote down who Biden should call on. 

'Why doesn't everybody holler at once?' he asked sarcastically.

His answer came in a press conference where Biden read a long passage while speaking about tense negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and intermediaries. He called to 'get these hostages home where they belong,' on a day when there were jarring reports Hamas says it can't deliver the 40 hostages as part of a proposal because it doesn't have that many at present. 

When Biden called on a reporter for the second question, he made clear that aides had pre-determined his questioner, as at past press conferences.

'Who do I call on next? I got my list here,' Biden said. Images of his famous Ray-Ban sunglasses showed reflections of a binder of information on the lectern in front of him in the White House Rose Garden. 

He spoke about the U.S.-Japan military relationship, which he called 'truly defensive in nature,' and repeated his call to improve 'lines of communication' with China's Xi Jinping.

He said the two men agreed on personal contacts so that nothing slips between 'the cup and the lip.' 

Biden grinned when a reporter said he wouldn't mind if the president responded to a question about his opposition to a Japanese firm's purchase of U.S. steel – a topic that forced him to speak on the loaded matter in front of his guest.

 'I stand by my commitment to American workers. I'm a man of my word I'm going to keep it. And with regard to that, I stand by our commitment to our alliance,' he said.

Kishida himself didn't directly answer a question about whether he discussed it with Biden. 

'We understand that discussions are underway between the parties. We hope these discussions will unfold in directions that would be positive for both sides. Japan believes that appropriate procedures based on law is being implemented by the US government,' he said, according to a translation of his remarks.

It came after Biden treated Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to a red carpet arrival ceremony at the White House, praising his 'good friend' as a 'genuine leader' and thanking the key ally for its support of Ukraine.

In a binder: Biden kept his Ray-Bans on throughout the press conference. He relied on notes when speaking about Israel and Gaza

Upon reflection ... Biden took a shouted question after calling on pre-determined questioners

He held a joint press conference with Japanese PM Fuimio Kishida

Biden met with Kishida inside the Oval Office in one of many gestures of support for the partner on defense and economic issues. The U.S. and China share mutual concern about Chinese provocations in Asia, even amid a split over Nippon Steel's proposed purchase of U.S. Steel.

'You personally have made all of this possible,' Biden gushed after running through examples of Kishida's 'bold leadership.'

He occasionally looked at a note card while he spoke, then put it away for a joint photo and handshake.

Biden also provided a formal arrival ceremony for Kishida's official visit and state dinner set for Tuesday night – with singer Paul Simon providing musical entertainment. 

Kishida called Biden 'Joe' and said they had 'nurtured a friendship and a trust' through a string of meetings. 

Biden also credited Kishida for deciding 'to heal old wounds and start a new chapter of friendship' with South Korea, despite lingering animosities over Japan's colonial oppression.

Biden touted Japanese investments that have generated 'millions of jobs across both our nations,' without mentioning his opposition to the purchase of the Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan meet in the Oval Office shortly after an elaborate arrival ceremony for his official visit to Washington

Biden praised Japan's investments, despite a split over a planned purchase of U.S. Steel

Kishida was treated to an elaborate ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House

Biden took a reporter's question about Australia's request that the U.S. cease prosecution of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, who is facing prosecution in the U.S. for the leak of millions of documents and is still being held in the U.K.

'We're considering it,' Biden said.

Kishida's visit is an official visit, since he is not the head of state of Japan, although he is being treated to a state dinner, which will feature rib eye steak and Biden's favorite dessert: ice cream.

The two men and their wives also dined Monday night at Black Salt, a high-end Washington, D.C. restaurant.

Biden also recounted how the two men walked to view a trio of cherry trees on the White House grounds, and that Kishida is presenting 250 new cherry tees to join the hundreds in D.C.'s Tidal Basin.

Neither mentioned Biden's push for a Texas rail project using Japanese bullet trains. 

On Ukraine, Biden lauded Kishida at a time he is struggling to get his own multi-billion aide package through the Republican House.

'When Russia began his brutal invasion of Ukraine two years ago, he did not hesitate to condemn, sanction and isolate Russia and provide billions in assistance to Ukraine,' Biden said.

'Under his leadership, Japan set in motion profound changes in his defense policy and its capabilities,' in reference to Japan's U.S.-drafted constitution that renounces war.