2024 election updates: Biden returns to the campaign trial following press conference

Asked about what concerns he had about Vice President Kamala Harris' ability to beat Donald Trump, if she were ever to appear on the top of the ticket, Biden confused her with Donald Trump.

In responding to a reporter question, President Biden made a slip of the tongue, saying "Vice President Trump" when he was referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.

"Look, I wouldn't have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if I didn't think she was not qualified to be president. So I'll start there," Biden said.

"The fact is that the consideration is that I think I'm the most well-qualified person to run for president. I beat him once and I will beat him again," he added.

"Now, the future of American policy is up to the American people," Biden said. "This is much more than a political question. It's more than that. It's a national security issue. Don't reduce this to the usual testament that people talk about, issues of being a political campaign."

"It is far too important," he continued. "It's about the world we live in for decades to come. Every American must ask himself or herself. Is the world safer with NATO? Are you safer? Is your family safer?"

With the NATO banner and American flags displayed behind him, Biden recounted this week's NATO summit in Washington and touted the strength of the alliance in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

While he didn't use Donald Trump's name, he invoked him during the remarks.

"Meanwhile, my predecessor, has made it clear he has no commitment to NATO," Biden said. "He has made it clear that he would feel no obligation to honor Article Five. He's already told Putin, I quote, 'Do whatever the hell you want.'"

"In fact, the day after Putin invaded Ukraine, here's what he said: It was genius. It was wonderful. Some of you have forgotten that, but that's exactly what he said. Well, I made it clear, a strong nato is essential to American I believe the obligation of Article Five is sacred," Biden added.

Biden is at the podium to answer reporter questions in his first solo press conference since November 2023, a critical moment for him as he faces growing Democratic pressure to step aside from his campaign.