Biden faces more calls to bow out after introducing Volodymyr Zelensky as 'President Putin'

President Joe Biden used his highly anticipated news conference on Thursday to deliver a forceful defence of his foreign and domestic policies.

He also batted away questions about his ability to serve another four years even as he flubbed a reference to Donald Trump in one of his first answers.

“I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started,” Mr Biden said as he insisted his support among the electorate was strong and he would stay in the race and would win.

Fumbles notwithstanding, the president pushed back at every suggestion that he was slowing down or showing noticeable signs of decline, or that he was not in command of the job.

But he was facing a growing chorus of calls from lawmakers, celebrities and other prominent Democrats to step aside from the 2024 race.

While Mr Biden has expressed confidence in his chances, his campaign on Thursday acknowledged he is behind, and a growing number of the president’s aides in the White House and the campaign privately harbour doubts that he can turn things around.

But in announcing a compact that would bring together Nato countries to support Ukraine, Mr Biden referred to the nation’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” to audible gasps in the room. He quickly returned to the microphone: “President Putin — he’s going to beat President Putin … President Zelensky,” Mr Biden said.

Then he said, “I’m so focused on beating Putin,” to explain the gaffe.

“I’m better,” Mr Zelensky replied. “You’re a hell of a lot better,” Mr Biden said back.