German chancellor: ‘It would be a big mistake to underestimate’ Biden

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned against underestimating President Biden on Thursday, describing him as a “very focused” leader following this week’s NATO summit in Washington, D.C.

Scholz, who has been a vocal supporter of Biden’s leadership in recent months, was asked by PBS News if he still believes the president can defeat former President Trump given the fallout of his disastrous debate performance last month.

“I’m not someone that is able to say how will be the outcome of American elections,” Scholz responded. “But I think it would be a big mistake to underestimate the president. He is successful in doing the necessary things, for instance, in organizing the NATO alliance.”

“And his leadership was very important in the last years and months, and also preparing this very meeting here in Washington. And he is also a successful campaigner,” he continued.

Scholz later said he had not seen any moments from Biden in the past week that indicate he is not up for another four years in office, as some lawmakers and political pundits have argued after the presidential debate.

“And I just can tell you, from my perspective, as someone that is speaking with Biden, he is very focused, and he is very intensely doing what the president of the United States has to do for leading the alliance,” Scholz said.

He said he watched last month’s debate, as everyone in Europe is “interested” in American politics, given the U.S. is “the strongest superpower in the world.”

When asked if he had any concerns watching the debate, Scholz said, “I think that he made his points, and he argued why it is necessary to work on a good cooperation globally with our friends and allies of democracy — democratic states.”

“And he was very clear and focused on questions of national politics,” he added.

Biden is facing mounting pressure from some within the Democratic Party to withdraw from the 2024 race over concerns he will not be able to defeat Trump or carry out another four-year term.

Biden, in a press conference following the NATO summit Thursday, defended his viability as the party’s nominee and was adamant he was the best choice to go against Trump.

“I believe I’m the best qualified to govern,” Biden said “And I think I’m the best qualified to win. But there are other people who could beat Trump too. But it’s all, start from scratch. And you know, we talk about money raised. We’re not doing bad.”