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Biden's disaster Zoom meeting with Democrats: Joe, 81, shows up an hour late, compares himself to FDR, mentions a 'granddad who can't walk' and fires back at lawmaker's demand he drop out
President Joe Biden's latest effort to soothe panicked House Democrats Friday fell flat after he showed up late to a zoom meeting, skeptics couldn't ask questions, and one zoom attendee promptly came out against him.
The calamity came as Biden met with members of a progressive BOLD PAC associated with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as he leads on key constituencies even as dozens of members of his own party call for him to go.
The zoom session came hours after Biden's press conference where he calmed some Democrats by fielding questions at length with his future on the line, but also botched Kamala Harris' name by calling her 'Vice President Trump.'
Biden was an hour late to an event that was 'tightly controlled,' NOTUS reported in a blow-by-blow of the bizarre session, following reports that Biden's cabinet meetings are also highly scripted. (Biden once again called from a prepared list of reporters at his press conference.
Levin, a California Democrat who is the grandson of Mexican immigrants, used his turn to call for Biden to step back.
According to a transcript, Biden responded to the criticism and called it legitimate.
'That’s — that was great when you were feeling good, Biden, are you OK now? That’s what’s underlying,' he said, according to the report.
President Joe Biden is trying to shore up support in Congress, where 19 members of his own party have called on him to step back from his campaign
“That’s what people are worried about. ‘I’ve got a grandfather who’s 85 years old, and he can’t walk.’ It’s a legitimate concern for people, but that’s why I think it’s important I gotta get out and show people everything from how well I move to how much I know and that I’m still in good charge.”
Biden didn't win over Levin. Within minutes of the call, the lawmaker put out a statement saying it was time for Biden to 'pass the torch.' It was the 19th such call from Congress Biden has faced since his debate disaster.
Biden said he was letting people 'touch me, poke me, ask me questions' as a way to provide reassurance.
'No president in three years has done what we have in three years other than Franklin Roosevelt, because of your help. That's not hyperbole, that's a fact. No president,' Biden said, CBS reported. That comes after he compared himself to Lyndon Johnson with a planned trip to Texas next week.
Biden, 81, tried to address the age issue during his press conference, and did it again at a restaurant and bar in Michigan, a crucial state on his narrowing path to victory.
'I know i'm only 41,' he joked, getting laughs from a crowd about the age issue that is top in the mind of poll respondents. Biden, who was elected to the Senate in 1972 and turned 30 shortly before he took office, recounted some of his past.
'For the longest time I was too young ... And now I'm too old. Hopefully with a little bit of age comes a little bit of wisdom,' he said.
Rep. Mike Levin said it was time to 'pass the torch' shortly after his zoom with Biden and other lawmakers
'This state is competitive and nobody better write it off,' Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan told reporters en route to the event in her district.
His campaign is also rolling out a new defense of his stumbles. '
'Joe Biden has been making gaffes for 40 years. He made a couple of last night. He will probably continue to do so,' said campaign spokesman Michael Tyler.
'There’s gaffes, yeah that’s happened throughout his whole career,' said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO.
Biden had an odd sign-off to his restaurant visit, where he carried a cordless microphone and walked among supporters, who applauded many of his lines.
'I promise you I'm okay,' he said.