Biden to hold 'Big Boy' press conference after NATO summit

The White House has announced plans for President Joe Biden to hold what they're calling a "Big Boy" press conference following the NATO summit in Washington, DC. Biden has been criticized by reporters for his limited availability to press. Now that he's drowning in allegations from within his own party that he's not fit to run, he's been making more public appearances in an attempt to assuage those concerns. 

"The president will hold a press conference, I guess a 'Big Boy' press conference, we're calling it, and take some questions from y'all," Kirby said during the briefing on Monday. Questions were also asked as to Biden's mental and physical health, though the White House was dodgy on that.

Later, Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about press conference, which will be held after the NATO meeting with world leaders. She said that "later, on Thursday, when he gives his press conference, his 'Big Boy' press conference..." Jean-Pierre did not seem at all fond of the phrase.

Fox News' Peter Doocy, who was shunned by the press secretary during the briefing, gave his assessment after the news conference with Jean-Pierre and Kirby. "White House officials are saying President Biden is going to host a press conference on Thursday afternoon. All that they'll tell us is that it's going to be more than the traditional two questions when foreign leaders are in town. They are describing it—at the White House—as a 'Big Boy' press conference," Doocy said.

"Well, one way to stop getting people to stop focussing on him and him being 81 and possibly having problems with his acuity is just to call him a big boy," Doocy said. The press secretary said that the presser is still in the planning stages.

Last week in the briefing room, the Jean-Pierre was asked by reporters about the post-NATO summit press conference and one reporter coined the phrase "Big Boy press conference." Everyone in the room had a big laugh on the "solo press conference," but the phrase, apparently, has stuck.

The "Big Boy" phrase is reminiscent of the small event held by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden following his miserable debate performance in Atlanta against President and GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. Jill praised Biden for "answering all the questions" and "knowing all the facts." It gave vibes more akin to a 6th grade spelling bee than a debate between two men vying to lead the United States of America. 

During Biden's first presidential run in 2020, he spent most of his time campaigning from his basement. The excuse given then was that due to the Covid pandemic, Biden had to stay inside, as so many other Americans were ordered to do. However, during those many long months when Trump campaigned in person, concerns arose as to Biden's fitness for office. One event he held saw him speaking to an audience of Jeeps, spaced 6-feet apart.