joe biden set for a showdown with the press tonight with mounting calls for him to step aside. is this the tipping point? as the nato conference concludes, here in the studio, peter mandelson, a man spoken about as the next ambassador to the us. good evening and welcome to newsnight — the home of the inside track, not a little intrigue, and illuminating interviews. as we have been for many years. and the characters internet�*s thriller are journalist and broadcaster ekow eshun and bonnie greer, the new artistic director. what do actors donald sutherland,

steve boucher me and ming na have in common? i guess we'll never know. don't adjust your sets, though. back on the sofa tonight — and friends of the programme for a quarter of a century. the playwright, author and former deputy chair of the british museum — bonnie greer. the writer and curator ekow eshun. and also with us tom lubbock — former tory staffer and the co—founder of polling companyjl partners. lord mandelson is here too. and of course the peerless nick. nick, let's begin withjoe biden. we thought it was going to be a press conference and it has been delayed to 11:30pm.— press conference and it has been delayed to 11:30pm. what that means there is in the — delayed to 11:30pm. what that means there is in the next _ delayed to 11:30pm. what that means there is in the next hour _ delayed to 11:30pm. what that means there is in the next hour we _ delayed to 11:30pm. what that means there is in the next hour we could - there is in the next hour we could have possibly the most significant moment injoe biden�*s history and his most significant moment in his 52 year career and that is how is he going to do in this press conference? the significance of this is a design scripted. some chat it

might be a big boy press conference that could go on for some time and now it looks like there willjust be for question so we will see how the american president will do in an unscripted environment. there is increasing pressure onjoe biden today, four house democrats have come out and said they believe you should step aside. slightly better news from the senate with senator markey of massachusetts saying he had conversations and was encouraged although it is important to say he has known joe although it is important to say he has knownjoe biden for nearly 50 years. the really significant thing that happened today was there was a report in the new york times by two very authoritative reporter is basically saying that key biden advisers believe he does need to step aside and the challenge they are facing is how do they persuade him to do that. what they are saying is they believe they have to convince joe is they believe they have to convincejoe biden of three things. firstly, that he cannot beat donald trump because he absolutely believes he still can. secondly, that

somebody else, most likely vice president kamala harris can beat donald trump. on the third thing they think they have to do is persuade joe they think they have to do is persuadejoe biden that if he does say i won't be the nominee, that it could be an orderly transition to another nominee. crucial to say that his inner circle but not the absolute inner circle which is wife, his sister. they as we understand it are still standing by the president. back with you in a minute. bonnie greer, first of all you are the only person around this table that actually has a vote on the american election. it is a huge moment for america and for the world in fact. we have to remember that america is an experiment. it is the first nation — an experiment. it is the first nation never created out of a bunch of ideas _ nation never created out of a bunch of ideas and — nation never created out of a bunch of ideas and people keep changing their ideas. every american has an idea about — their ideas. every american has an idea about america and now this is one of— idea about america and now this is one of those junctures of that. which — one of those junctures of that. which idea is going to take over

america? — which idea is going to take over america? we had a civil war about that and _ america? we had a civil war about that and all— america? we had a civil war about that and all kinds of turmoil. now we are _ that and all kinds of turmoil. now we are at— that and all kinds of turmoil. now we are at the same juncture. which idea is_ we are at the same juncture. which idea is going to take over america, joe biden— idea is going to take over america, joe biden and his ideas or the donald — joe biden and his ideas or the donald trump contingent which is lock up— donald trump contingent which is lock up the doors and kick out the coloured — lock up the doors and kick out the coloured people. in lock up the doors and kick out the coloured people.— lock up the doors and kick out the coloured people. in your review what is the next step _ coloured people. in your review what is the next step in _ coloured people. in your review what is the next step in this? _ coloured people. in your review what is the next step in this? where - coloured people. in your review what is the next step in this? where do i is the next step in this? where do you stand onjoe biden�*s decision as it were, which he has already made, to fight on? to it were, which he has already made, to fight on?— to fight on? to me, if you black women have — to fight on? to me, if you black women have come _ to fight on? to me, if you black women have come up— to fight on? to me, if you black women have come up to - to fight on? to me, if you black women have come up to me - to fight on? to me, if you black women have come up to me on| to fight on? to me, if you black- women have come up to me on the street— women have come up to me on the street in— women have come up to me on the street in london and have said to me basically— street in london and have said to me basically why are they so angry with joe biden? — basically why are they so angry with joe biden? it is interesting. the black— joe biden? it is interesting. the black core — joe biden? it is interesting. the black core contingent and also the congressional black caucus is standing _ congressional black caucus is standing straight with him because we know— standing straight with him because we know something about him. we know the kind _ we know something about him. we know the kind of— we know something about him. we know the kind of america he is trying to build _ the kind of america he is trying to build he — the kind of america he is trying to build. he has also kept his promises largely— build. he has also kept his promises

largely to _ build. he has also kept his promises largely to others, especially black women _ largely to others, especially black women. he has given as a supreme courtjustice and he has given as a vice president and potential president. sojoe is straight with us and _ president. sojoe is straight with us and those contingents and there are a _ us and those contingents and there are a lot _ us and those contingents and there are a lot of— us and those contingents and there are a lot of coalitions within the democratic party, those coalitions are not necessarily being consulted. we are _ are not necessarily being consulted. we are talking to the elite and that is what _ we are talking to the elite and that is what the media is talking to and it is not— is what the media is talking to and it is not a — is what the media is talking to and it is not a good idea. the other thing _ it is not a good idea. the other thing i— it is not a good idea. the other thing i want to say is when you look at the _ thing i want to say is when you look at the polling, joe biden is actually— at the polling, joe biden is actually not that far back from where — actually not that far back from where he _ actually not that far back from where he was at the beginning of the year and _ where he was at the beginning of the year and also kamala harris is only two points— year and also kamala harris is only two points behind donald trump. although — two points behind donald trump. although you are here wet as a lot of your polling work in america particularly with focus groups and what are focus groups telling you aboutjoe biden? it is what are focus groups telling you about joe biden? it is interesting, i would about joe biden? it is interesting, i would say _ about joe biden? it is interesting, i would say focus _ about joe biden? it is interesting, i would say focus groups - about joe biden? it is interesting, i would say focus groups are - about joe biden? it is interesting, | i would say focus groups are worse than polling. we have been talking to independent voters in georgia and they tend to split two ways. there are the independents who were fairly positive about biden to start with and they watch that debate and it

made them feel physically sick. that actually they couldn't watch it, it was so hard to watch it. and then those who are not sympathetic to start with and they have polarised. they feel very much that he is not the candidate to take another four years as president. but the candidate to take another four years as president.— years as president. but are they lookin: years as president. but are they looking particularly _ years as president. but are they looking particularly in _ years as president. but are they looking particularly in terms - years as president. but are they looking particularly in terms of. looking particularly in terms of personality are looking at it in terms of their futures in america. as they are a deep worry in america? that is the interesting thing about the age issue. it seems to be not as complicated as it is often made out in the broader debate. washington tends to run his fingers through its own filter. what about the elite accusation? the elites play a huge part in this and that is why you need public opinion experts because they get back to the voters and see how they see it. theyjust they get back to the voters and see how they see it. they just see a they get back to the voters and see how they see it. theyjust see a man who is too old ran for another four years. maybe he is fine now and the debate suggested not but they are

looking for years in the future and it is just looking for years in the future and it isjust common looking for years in the future and it is just common sense to think he might not have the staying power for another four years. the might not have the staying power for another four years.— another four years. the press conference — another four years. the press conference today _ another four years. the press conference today is _ another four years. the press conference today is talked . another four years. the press i conference today is talked about another four years. the press - conference today is talked about as of the _ conference today is talked about as of the decisive moment. let's say he passes— of the decisive moment. let's say he passes the _ of the decisive moment. let's say he passes the test, let's say he does competently. it is very hard to see that this _ competently. it is very hard to see that this will answer those questions ultimately and fundamentally. it is very hard to imagine — fundamentally. it is very hard to imagine that after this moment for the next _ imagine that after this moment for the next few weeks to come, those questions _ the next few weeks to come, those questions won't recur, because to my mind _ questions won't recur, because to my mind this _ questions won't recur, because to my mind this isn't a problem that is going _ mind this isn't a problem that is going to — mind this isn't a problem that is going to get better with time. it becomes— going to get better with time. it becomes more exacerbated every moment— becomes more exacerbated every moment in front of the cameras and the one _ moment in front of the cameras and the one thing is that i would say the one thing is that i would say the question you have to ask is, who can beat— the question you have to ask is, who can beat donald trump? it is a consequential question but i wouldn't say in these terms that joe biden— wouldn't say in these terms that joe biden is— wouldn't say in these terms that joe biden is the person to do it. donald

trump _ biden is the person to do it. donald trump actually can control a narrative _ trump actually can control a narrative. forall trump actually can control a narrative. for all that we can say about _ narrative. for all that we can say about him. — narrative. for all that we can say about him, for all that he has done, he is _ about him, for all that he has done, he is successful at commanding attention— he is successful at commanding attention and you need someone who can go toe _ attention and you need someone who can go toe to toe with him on those terms _ can go toe to toe with him on those terms. �* ., ., , , ., , terms. but there are many people who su ort terms. but there are many people who suoport him- — terms. but there are many people who suoport him- ibut _ terms. but there are many people who support him. but on _ terms. but there are many people who support him. but on that _ terms. but there are many people who support him. but on that question - support him. but on that question about the elites from bonnie, when the op—ed appeared in the new york times written by george clooney and the story we are getting is that he spoke to barack obama before that, thatis spoke to barack obama before that, that is notjust about elites. george clooney was very cagey about that. he said, i did speak to president obama. we don't know if he just called him and said, i am going to do this and i am just letting you know and that's all it was, but the new york times has come out on the editorial board so they have to keep shelling this story, they have to keep selling this, because they have

come out to say the president should step down so they have to keep doing this. it is going to be a question, this. it is going to be a question, this is a battle of narratives. the united states always has been and this definitely is. so you get a focus group in georgia, you go to georgia you're going to get a response. georgia you're going to get a response-— georgia you're going to get a resonse. , ., ., ., ., response. the question of narrative is really interesting _ response. the question of narrative is really interesting because - response. the question of narrative is really interesting because i - is really interesting because i wonder, if the narrative is set now, is there any way it is going to change before november? the convention _ change before november? the convention are _ change before november? the convention are still wet for the democrats _ convention are still wet for the democrats to _ convention are still wet for the democrats to try _ convention are still wet for the democrats to try to _ convention are still wet for the democrats to try to change. i convention are still wet for the i democrats to try to change. we are 'ust democrats to try to change. we are just getting — democrats to try to change. we are just getting pictures _ democrats to try to change. we are just getting pictures of— democrats to try to change. we are just getting pictures of joe - democrats to try to change. we are just getting pictures of joe biden i just getting pictures ofjoe biden coming out now so whether or not he will be starting this early we just don't know. will be starting this early we 'ust don-t know.�* don't know. good afternoon, everyone- — don't know. good afternoon, everyone. when _ don't know. good afternoon, everyone. when putin i don't know. good afternoon, i everyone. when putin launched this war two— everyone. when putin launched this war two years ago, i promise president — war two years ago, i promise president zelensky the united states and its _ president zelensky the united states and its allies and partners would stand _ and its allies and partners would stand with him and the people of ukraine — stand with him and the people of ukraine as — stand with him and the people of ukraine as they defended their country~ — ukraine as they defended their country. since then, all of you and all of— country. since then, all of you and all of my— country. since then, all of you and all of my fellow leaders have built all of my fellow leaders have built a global— all of my fellow leaders have built a global coalition to support

ukraine, _ a global coalition to support ukraine, supplied economic and humanitarian support, supplied weapons — humanitarian support, supplied weapons that ukraine needs to defend itself, _ weapons that ukraine needs to defend itself, and _ weapons that ukraine needs to defend itself, and two days ago i announced historic— itself, and two days ago i announced historic donation of air defence equipment to protect ukrainian cities _ equipment to protect ukrainian cities and — equipment to protect ukrainian cities and troops from russian missiles _ cities and troops from russian missiles i_ cities and troops from russian missiles. i am cities and troops from russian missiles. lam here cities and troops from russian missiles. i am here with all these important — missiles. i am here with all these important people behind me to take another— important people behind me to take another important step in our collective _ another important step in our collective support for ukraine. we reter— collective support for ukraine. we refer to _ collective support for ukraine. we refer to it — collective support for ukraine. we refer to it as the ukraine compact and here's— refer to it as the ukraine compact and here's how it works. last year, the g7 _ and here's how it works. last year, the g7 nations signed a declaration to protect — the g7 nations signed a declaration to protect ukraine long—term, not 'ust to protect ukraine long—term, not just for— to protect ukraine long—term, not just for the — to protect ukraine long—term, not just for the duration of this war but the — just for the duration of this war but the beyond after they went. 25 additional— but the beyond after they went. 25 additional countries quicklyjoined them _ additional countries quicklyjoined them and — additional countries quicklyjoined them and pledged to negotiate and si-n them and pledged to negotiate and sign a _ them and pledged to negotiate and sign a bilateral security agreement with ukraine. now one year later, more _ with ukraine. now one year later, more than — with ukraine. now one year later, more than 20 countries plus the european — more than 20 countries plus the european union have completed and signed _ european union have completed and signed these agreements. more countries — signed these agreements. more countries are finalising layers as

speak — countries are finalising layers as speak. this compact brings all those countries _ speak. this compact brings all those countries together in the unified and comprehensive architecture to support— and comprehensive architecture to support ukraine. notjust for now but four— support ukraine. notjust for now but four years in the future... this is obviously _ but four years in the future... this is obviously not _ but four years in the future... this is obviously not the _ but four years in the future... t'i 3 is obviously not the press conference but the closing ceremony but it is just as important that he presents that well. fight! but it isjust as important that he presents that well.— but it isjust as important that he presents that well. and there he has volod m r presents that well. and there he has volodymyr zelensky _ presents that well. and there he has volodymyr zelensky the _ presents that well. and there he has volodymyr zelensky the president i presents that well. and there he has volodymyr zelensky the president of ukraine _ volodymyr zelensky the president of ukraine standing _ volodymyr zelensky the president of ukraine standing beside _ volodymyr zelensky the president of ukraine standing beside him - volodymyr zelensky the president of ukraine standing beside him and i volodymyr zelensky the president of ukraine standing beside him and hel ukraine standing beside him and he has what _ ukraine standing beside him and he has what looks _ ukraine standing beside him and he has what looks like _ ukraine standing beside him and he has what looks like the _ ukraine standing beside him and he has what looks like the nato - ukraine standing beside him and hel has what looks like the nato leaders for the _ has what looks like the nato leaders for the ukraine _ has what looks like the nato leaders for the ukraine compact— has what looks like the nato leaders for the ukraine compact and - has what looks like the nato leaders for the ukraine compact and he i has what looks like the nato leaders for the ukraine compact and he is. for the ukraine compact and he is saving. _ for the ukraine compact and he is saving. here's_ for the ukraine compact and he is saying, here's the _ for the ukraine compact and he is saying, here's the deal. - for the ukraine compact and he is saying, here's the deal. we i for the ukraine compact and he is saying, here's the deal. we saw. for the ukraine compact and he is. saying, here's the deal. we saw the document— saying, here's the deal. we saw the document the — saying, here's the deal. we saw the document the countries _ saying, here's the deal. we saw the document the countries of- saying, here's the deal. we saw the document the countries of signed i saying, here's the deal. we saw thel document the countries of signed up to, here's _ document the countries of signed up to, here'sthe— document the countries of signed up to, here's the deal— document the countries of signed up to, here's the deal we _ document the countries of signed up to, here's the deal we offering i to, here's the deal we offering ukraine — to, here's the deal we offering ukraine the _ to, here's the deal we offering ukraine. the significance i to, here's the deal we offering ukraine. the significance of. to, here's the deal we offering i ukraine. the significance of that is joe biden— ukraine. the significance of that is joe biden i— ukraine. the significance of that is joe biden i imagine _ ukraine. the significance of that is joe biden i imagine we'll— ukraine. the significance of that is joe biden i imagine we'll be - ukraine. the significance of that is| joe biden i imagine we'll be talking to autocue. — joe biden i imagine we'll be talking to autocue, that _ joe biden i imagine we'll be talking to autocue, that will _ joe biden i imagine we'll be talking to autocue, that will be _ joe biden i imagine we'll be talking to autocue, that will be scripted. . to autocue, that will be scripted. you can — to autocue, that will be scripted. you can do— to autocue, that will be scripted. you can do that, _ to autocue, that will be scripted. you can do that, the _ to autocue, that will be scripted. you can do that, the significancej to autocue, that will be scripted. l you can do that, the significance is the press _ you can do that, the significance is the press conference _ you can do that, the significance is the press conference in— you can do that, the significance is the press conference in the - you can do that, the significance is the press conference in the next. the press conference in the next hour, _ the press conference in the next hour, at— the press conference in the next hour, at the _ the press conference in the next hour, at the beginning - the press conference in the next hour, at the beginning might- the press conference in the next hour, at the beginning might be| hour, at the beginning might be scripted — hour, at the beginning might be scripted but— hour, at the beginning might be scripted but once _ hour, at the beginning might be scripted but once he _ hour, at the beginning might be scripted but once he gets- hour, at the beginning might be scripted but once he gets the i scripted but once he gets the questions _ scripted but once he gets the questions it— scripted but once he gets the questions it is unscripted. i scripted but once he gets the. questions it is unscripted. this is interesting _ questions it is unscripted. this is interesting because _ questions it is unscripted. this is interesting because back - questions it is unscripted. this is interesting because back in i questions it is unscripted. this is interesting because back in the l questions it is unscripted. this is i interesting because back in the day,

ronald reagan had some problems. what ronald reagan didn't have what social media, a whole lot of television stations, focus groups, all this stuff.— television stations, focus groups, all this stuff. and we will come on to talk about _ all this stuff. and we will come on to talk about that _ all this stuff. and we will come on to talk about that but _ all this stuff. and we will come on to talk about that but right i all this stuff. and we will come on to talk about that but right now. all this stuff. and we will come on to talk about that but right now i i to talk about that but right now i want to bring in lord mandelson. you are an internationalist and you know the us economy is doing incredibly well. it is interesting he would not even reap the benefit of that if he was not seen to be in some way in command? i was not seen to be in some way in command?— was not seen to be in some way in command? ~ ., ., , command? i think what we are seeing in the launch — command? i think what we are seeing in the launch of— command? i think what we are seeing in the launch of this _ command? i think what we are seeing in the launch of this ukrainian - in the launch of this ukrainian compact — in the launch of this ukrainian compact is _ in the launch of this ukrainian compact is a _ in the launch of this ukrainian compact is a rather— in the launch of this ukrainian compact is a rather agile i in the launch of this ukrainianl compact is a rather agile move in the launch of this ukrainian i compact is a rather agile move by president — compact is a rather agile move by president biden— compact is a rather agile move by president biden to _ compact is a rather agile move by president biden to upstage - compact is a rather agile move by president biden to upstage his i compact is a rather agile move by. president biden to upstage his own subsequent— president biden to upstage his own subsequent press— president biden to upstage his own subsequent press conference. i- president biden to upstage his own. subsequent press conference. i think he would _ subsequent press conference. i think he would like — subsequent press conference. i think he would like to _ subsequent press conference. i think he would like to focus _ subsequent press conference. i think he would like to focus everyone's i he would like to focus everyone's attention — he would like to focus everyone's attention on _ he would like to focus everyone's attention on this, _ he would like to focus everyone's attention on this, which - he would like to focus everyone's attention on this, which is - he would like to focus everyone's attention on this, which is a i he would like to focus everyone'sj attention on this, which is a fairly scripted. — attention on this, which is a fairly scripted, rather— attention on this, which is a fairly scripted, rather curated - attention on this, which is a fairly scripted, rather curated affair. ii scripted, rather curated affair. i think— scripted, rather curated affair. i thinkthe— scripted, rather curated affair. i think the problem _ scripted, rather curated affair. i think the problem with - scripted, rather curated affair. i think the problem with the i think the problem with the subsequent— think the problem with the subsequent press- think the problem with the i subsequent press conference, if think the problem with the - subsequent press conference, if that is indeed _ subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what — subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what he _ subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what he is _ subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what he is going _ subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what he is going to - subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what he is going to go i subsequent press conference, if that is indeed what he is going to go on l is indeed what he is going to go on touri _ is indeed what he is going to go on

tour, is _ is indeed what he is going to go on tour, is that— is indeed what he is going to go on tour, is that if— is indeed what he is going to go on tour, is that if you _ is indeed what he is going to go on tour, is that if you just _ is indeed what he is going to go on tour, is that if you just reads - is indeed what he is going to go on tour, is that if you just reads off. tour, is that if you just reads off and autocue _ tour, is that if you just reads off and autocue undertakes - tour, is that if you just reads off and autocue undertakes four- tour, is that if you just reads off. and autocue undertakes four quick questions — and autocue undertakes four quick questions and _ and autocue undertakes four quick questions and beetles _ and autocue undertakes four quick questions and beetles away, i and autocue undertakes four quick questions and beetles away, he i and autocue undertakes four quick. questions and beetles away, he will leave _ questions and beetles away, he will leave a _ questions and beetles away, he will leave a white — questions and beetles away, he will leave a white house _ questions and beetles away, he will leave a white house press - questions and beetles away, he will leave a white house press corps i questions and beetles away, he will leave a white house press corps upj leave a white house press corps up in arms _ leave a white house press corps up in arms what — leave a white house press corps up in arms what i _ leave a white house press corps up in arms. what i think— leave a white house press corps up in arms. what i think he _ leave a white house press corps up in arms. what i think he would i leave a white house press corps up in arms. what i think he would be l in arms. what i think he would be much _ in arms. what i think he would be much better— in arms. what i think he would be much better doing, _ in arms. what i think he would be much better doing, and _ in arms. what i think he would be much better doing, and i- in arms. what i think he would be much better doing, and i know. in arms. what i think he would be much better doing, and i know iti in arms. what i think he would be. much better doing, and i know it is a challenging — much better doing, and i know it is a challenging thing _ much better doing, and i know it is a challenging thing for— much better doing, and i know it is a challenging thing for him - much better doing, and i know it is a challenging thing for him to i much better doing, and i know it is a challenging thing for him to do, i a challenging thing for him to do, is to stay— a challenging thing for him to do, is to stay there _ a challenging thing for him to do, is to stay there until— a challenging thing for him to do, is to stay there until he _ a challenging thing for him to do, is to stay there until he takes i a challenging thing for him to do, is to stay there until he takes the| is to stay there until he takes the very last — is to stay there until he takes the very last question— is to stay there until he takes the very last question on _ is to stay there until he takes the very last question on offer- is to stay there until he takes the very last question on offer from i is to stay there until he takes the . very last question on offer from the floor~ _ very last question on offer from the floor~ i_ very last question on offer from the floor~ i know— very last question on offer from the floor~ i know it _ very last question on offer from the floor. i know it would _ very last question on offer from the floor. i know it would be _ very last question on offer from the floor. i know it would be a - very last question on offer from the floor. i know it would be a terrific . floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but _ floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but if — floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but if he _ floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but if he doesn't _ floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but if he doesn't do - floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but if he doesn't do that i floor. i know it would be a terrific risk but if he doesn't do that andi risk but if he doesn't do that and if he _ risk but if he doesn't do that and if be just— risk but if he doesn't do that and if he just plavs _ risk but if he doesn't do that and if he just plays the _ risk but if he doesn't do that and if he just plays the press - risk but if he doesn't do that and if he just plays the press corps, i if he just plays the press corps, takes _ if he just plays the press corps, takes four— if he just plays the press corps, takes four fairly— if he just plays the press corps, takes four fairly lame _ if he just plays the press corps, j takes four fairly lame questions if he just plays the press corps, i takes four fairly lame questions and doubt he _ takes four fairly lame questions and doubt he goes we _ takes four fairly lame questions and doubt he goes we will— takes four fairly lame questions and doubt he goes we will have - takes four fairly lame questions and doubt he goes we will have exactlyl doubt he goes we will have exactly what was _ doubt he goes we will have exactly what was said. _ doubt he goes we will have exactly what was said, this _ doubt he goes we will have exactly what was said, this will _ doubt he goes we will have exactly what was said, this will go - doubt he goes we will have exactly what was said, this will go on i doubt he goes we will have exactly what was said, this will go on and i what was said, this will go on and on. what was said, this will go on and on nobody— what was said, this will go on and on nobodeill_ what was said, this will go on and on. nobody will feel— what was said, this will go on and on. nobody will feel satisfied, i what was said, this will go on and i on. nobody will feel satisfied, they will feel— on. nobody will feel satisfied, they will feel cheated _ on. nobody will feel satisfied, they will feel cheated and _ on. nobody will feel satisfied, they will feel cheated and the _ on. nobody will feel satisfied, they will feel cheated and the press i will feel cheated and the press won't — will feel cheated and the press won't leave _ will feel cheated and the press won't leave him _ will feel cheated and the press won't leave him alone. - will feel cheated and the press won't leave him alone. reversing for two seconds. — won't leave him alone. reversing for two seconds, nancy _ won't leave him alone. reversing for two seconds, nancy pelosi _ won't leave him alone. reversing for two seconds, nancy pelosi after- won't leave him alone. reversing for two seconds, nancy pelosi after he l two seconds, nancy pelosi after he definitely said he would stay said i hope he makes his decision soon and whatever he says i will support him. it is perfectly clear nancy pelosi

is hoping — it is perfectly clear nancy pelosi is hoping against _ it is perfectly clear nancy pelosi is hoping against hope - it is perfectly clear nancy pelosi is hoping against hope he - it is perfectly clear nancy pelosi i is hoping against hope he doesn't stay _ is hoping against hope he doesn't stay if— is hoping against hope he doesn't sta . , ., ., , ., stay. if you were advising him, what would be the _ stay. if you were advising him, what would be the way _ stay. if you were advising him, what would be the way that _ stay. if you were advising him, what would be the way that if _ stay. if you were advising him, what would be the way that if he - stay. if you were advising him, what would be the way that if he wants to eventually do this he would withdraw gracefully? how does he have to orchestrate that? he gracefully? how does he have to orchestrate that?— gracefully? how does he have to orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given — orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given this _ orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given this my _ orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given this my all, _ orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given this my all, i _ orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given this my all, i have - orchestrate that? he says, look, i have given this my all, i have just| have given this my all, i have just led the _ have given this my all, i have just led the world _ have given this my all, i have just led the world against _ have given this my all, i have just led the world against putin - have given this my all, i have just led the world against putin and i led the world against putin and suriported _ led the world against putin and supported the _ led the world against putin and supported the ukrainians - led the world against putin and supported the ukrainians and l led the world against putin and supported the ukrainians and i| led the world against putin and - supported the ukrainians and i have put myself— supported the ukrainians and i have put myself right _ supported the ukrainians and i have put myself right at _ supported the ukrainians and i have put myself right at the _ supported the ukrainians and i have put myself right at the head - supported the ukrainians and i have put myself right at the head of - supported the ukrainians and i have put myself right at the head of thisi put myself right at the head of this fi-ht put myself right at the head of this fight internationally, _ put myself right at the head of this fight internationally, i— put myself right at the head of this fight internationally, i have - put myself right at the head of this fight internationally, i have seen. fight internationally, i have seen off china, — fight internationally, i have seen off china, pushed _ fight internationally, i have seen off china, pushed them - fight internationally, i have seen off china, pushed them down . fight internationally, i have seenl off china, pushed them down and pushed _ off china, pushed them down and pushed them _ off china, pushed them down and pushed them back— off china, pushed them down and pushed them back by— off china, pushed them down and pushed them back by the - off china, pushed them down and l pushed them back by the measures off china, pushed them down and i pushed them back by the measures i have taken— pushed them back by the measures i have taken against _ pushed them back by the measures i have taken against the _ pushed them back by the measures i have taken against the rise - pushed them back by the measures i have taken against the rise and - pushed them back by the measures i have taken against the rise and look| have taken against the rise and look what i _ have taken against the rise and look what i have — have taken against the rise and look what i have done _ have taken against the rise and look what i have done at— have taken against the rise and look what i have done at home. - have taken against the rise and look what i have done at home. i- have taken against the rise and look what i have done at home. i have i what i have done at home. i have done _ what i have done at home. i have done all— what i have done at home. i have done all this, _ what i have done at home. i have done all this, tremendous - done all this, tremendous economy, inflation _ done all this, tremendous economy, inflation down, — done all this, tremendous economy, inflation down, interest _ done all this, tremendous economy, inflation down, interest rates- done all this, tremendous economy, inflation down, interest rates to - inflation down, interest rates to follow, — inflation down, interest rates to follow, but _ inflation down, interest rates to follow, but you _ inflation down, interest rates to follow, but you know _ inflation down, interest rates to follow, but you know what? - inflation down, interest rates to follow, but you know what? i. inflation down, interest rates to i follow, but you know what? i think inflation down, interest rates to - follow, but you know what? i think i have had _ follow, but you know what? i think i have had my— follow, but you know what? i think i have had my day— follow, but you know what? i think i have had my day and _ follow, but you know what? i think i have had my day and i— follow, but you know what? i think i have had my day and i think i- follow, but you know what? i think i have had my day and i think i am i follow, but you know what? i think i. have had my day and i think i am now tired and _ have had my day and i think i am now tired and ready— have had my day and i think i am now tired and ready to _ have had my day and i think i am now tired and ready to step _ have had my day and i think i am now tired and ready to step away - have had my day and i think i am now tired and ready to step away and - have had my day and i think i am now tired and ready to step away and let l tired and ready to step away and let somebody— tired and ready to step away and let somebody else _ tired and ready to step away and let somebody else carry— tired and ready to step away and let somebody else carry the _ tired and ready to step away and let somebody else carry the flag. -

the protocols for the new labour prime minister, any prime minister, the new labour prime minister has to countenance a relationship with a future president trump. {iii countenance a relationship with a future president trump. of course. there is no — future president trump. of course. there is no question. _ future president trump. of course. there is no question. no _ future president trump. of course. there is no question. no question | there is no question. no question about that- _ there is no question. no question about that- i— there is no question. no question about that. i think _ there is no question. no question about that. i think even _ there is no question. no question about that. i think even in - there is no question. no question about that. i think even in british | about that. i think even in british politics— about that. i think even in british politics would _ about that. i think even in british politics would expect, _ about that. i think even in british politics would expect, if - about that. i think even in british politics would expect, if mr- about that. i think even in britishi politics would expect, if mr trump is re-elected _ politics would expect, if mr trump is re—elected that _ politics would expect, if mr trump is re—elected that would _ politics would expect, if mr trump is re—elected that would be - politics would expect, if mr trump is re—elected that would be quite. politics would expect, if mr trump| is re—elected that would be quite a bun1py— is re—elected that would be quite a bumpy ride — is re—elected that would be quite a bumpy ride. but _ is re—elected that would be quite a bumpy ride. but i _ is re—elected that would be quite a bumpy ride. but i think— is re—elected that would be quite a bumpy ride. but i think that - is re—elected that would be quite a bumpy ride. but i think that he - is re—elected that would be quite a| bumpy ride. but i think that he will be more _ bumpy ride. but i think that he will be more transactional— bumpy ride. but i think that he will be more transactional than - bumpy ride. but i think that he willl be more transactional than anything else, _ be more transactional than anything else, a _ be more transactional than anything else, a re—elected _ be more transactional than anything else, a re—elected president- be more transactional than anything| else, a re—elected president trump. he may— else, a re—elected president trump. he may be _ else, a re—elected president trump. he may be engaging _ else, a re—elected president trump. he may be engaging in— else, a re—elected president trump. he may be engaging in sort- else, a re—elected president trump. he may be engaging in sort of, - else, a re—elected president trump. he may be engaging in sort of, he . he may be engaging in sort of, he may be brutally transactional, but he is going to negotiate with everyone, including his allies, including us. let everyone, including his allies, including us.— everyone, including his allies, including us. let me either, you scotch a rumour _ including us. let me either, you scotch a rumour or— including us. let me either, you scotch a rumour or confirm - including us. let me either, you scotch a rumour or confirm a - including us. let me either, you - scotch a rumour or confirm a rumour, there is talk swirling around from there is talk swirling around from the ambassadorial positions that you maybe headed to the united states.

no, anyone who knows me, knows i'm heading _ no, anyone who knows me, knows i'm heading to— no, anyone who knows me, knows i'm heading to wiltshire. _ no, anyone who knows me, knows i'm heading to wiltshire. i'm _ no, anyone who knows me, knows i'm heading to wiltshire. i'm going - no, anyone who knows me, knows i'm heading to wiltshire. i'm going to- heading to wiltshire. i'm going to id heading to wiltshire. i'm going to go back— heading to wiltshire. i'm going to go back to — heading to wiltshire. i'm going to go back to the _ heading to wiltshire. i'm going to go back to the people _ heading to wiltshire. i'm going to go back to the people from - heading to wiltshire. i'm going to- go back to the people from wednesday i go back to the people from wednesday i came _ go back to the people from wednesday i came and _ go back to the people from wednesday i came and the — go back to the people from wednesday i came and the sheep _ go back to the people from wednesday i came and the sheep and _ go back to the people from wednesday i came and the sheep and the - i came and the sheep and the cattle and my— i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog — i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog thank— i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog thank you. _ i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog thank you. he - i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog thank you. he is- i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog thank you.— i came and the sheep and the cattle and my dog thank you. he is going to cultivate his — and my dog thank you. he is going to cultivate his guard _ and my dog thank you. he is going to cultivate his guard garden. _ and my dog thank you. he is going to cultivate his guard garden. he - and my dog thank you. he is going to cultivate his guard garden. he might| cultivate his guard garden. he might be makin: cultivate his guard garden. he might be making a — cultivate his guard garden. he might be making a detour. _ cultivate his guard garden. he might be making a detour. there _ cultivate his guard garden. he might be making a detour. there is - cultivate his guard garden. he might be making a detour. there is a - cultivate his guard garden. he might be making a detour. there is a storyj be making a detour. there is a story that a prestigious position of oxford chancellor maybe in your grasp and it may be time not to have a conservative chancellor of oxford university, but a labour chancellor. now, is that a possibility? should i put money on it?— now, is that a possibility? should i put money on it? don't put money on an hina! put money on it? don't put money on anything! the — put money on it? don't put money on anything! the chancellor— put money on it? don't put money on anything! the chancellor of _ put money on it? don't put money on anything! the chancellor of ox - put money on it? don't put money on anything! the chancellor of ox fort i anything! the chancellor of ox fort university has _ anything! the chancellor of ox fort university has always _ anything! the chancellor of ox fort university has always been - anything! the chancellor of ox fort university has always been a - university has always been a political— university has always been a political figure. _ university has always been a political figure. but - university has always been a political figure. but never. university has always been a political figure. but never a. political figure. but never a serving _ political figure. but never a serving labour— political figure. but never a serving labour figure. -

political figure. but never a serving labour figure. we i political figure. but never a - serving labour figure. we have had two very— serving labour figure. we have had two very good _ serving labour figure. we have had two very good chancellors - serving labour figure. we have had two very good chancellors in - serving labour figure. we have had two very good chancellors in roy. two very good chancellors in roy jenkins _ two very good chancellors in roy jenkins and — two very good chancellors in roy jenkins and for— two very good chancellors in roy jenkins and for 20 _ two very good chancellors in roy jenkins and for 20 years - two very good chancellors in roy jenkins and for 20 years chris . jenkins and for 20 years chris paton, — jenkins and for 20 years chris paton, who— jenkins and for 20 years chris paton, who has— jenkins and for 20 years chris paton, who has been- jenkins and for 20 years chrisi paton, who has been brilliant. jenkins and for 20 years chris . paton, who has been brilliant. i know— paton, who has been brilliant. i know there _ paton, who has been brilliant. i know there are _ paton, who has been brilliant. i know there are people - paton, who has been brilliant. i know there are people who - paton, who has been brilliant. ii know there are people who have paton, who has been brilliant. i- know there are people who have said to me _ know there are people who have said to me they— know there are people who have said to me they think— know there are people who have said to me they think it _ know there are people who have said to me they think it is— know there are people who have said to me they think it is time _ know there are people who have said to me they think it is time to - know there are people who have said to me they think it is time to have i to me they think it is time to have the first— to me they think it is time to have the first labour— to me they think it is time to have the first labour chancellor- to me they think it is time to have the first labour chancellor in - to me they think it is time to have the first labour chancellor in the i the first labour chancellor in the history— the first labour chancellor in the history of— the first labour chancellor in the history of oxford _ the first labour chancellor in the history of oxford university. - the first labour chancellor in the history of oxford university. 50. the first labour chancellor in the history of oxford university. so you wouldn't say _ history of oxford university. so you wouldn't say no? _ history of oxford university. so you wouldn't say no? i'm _ history of oxford university. so you wouldn't say no? i'm not _ history of oxford university. so you wouldn't say no? i'm not saying - history of oxford university. so you j wouldn't say no? i'm not saying yes or no. wouldn't say no? i'm not saying yes or no- i'm — wouldn't say no? i'm not saying yes or no- i'm saying. _ wouldn't say no? i'm not saying yes or no. i'm saying, i'm _ wouldn't say no? i'm not saying yes or no. i'm saying, i'm not— wouldn't say no? i'm not saying yes or no. i'm saying, i'm not saying i or no. i'm saying, i'm not saying anything — or no. i'm saying, i'm not saying anything actually. _ or no. i'm saying, i'm not saying anything actually. apart - or no. i'm saying, i'm not saying anything actually. apart from - or no. i'm saying, i'm not saying| anything actually. apart from the fact that — anything actually. apart from the fact that i — anything actually. apart from the fact that i know— anything actually. apart from the fact that i know this _ anything actually. apart from the fact that i know this is _ anything actually. apart from the fact that i know this is a - anything actually. apart from the fact that i know this is a view - anything actually. apart from thej fact that i know this is a view and it has— fact that i know this is a view and it has been— fact that i know this is a view and it has been expressed. _ fact that i know this is a view and it has been expressed. there - fact that i know this is a view and it has been expressed. there is l it has been expressed. there is no urgency _ it has been expressed. there is no urgency i— it has been expressed. there is no urgency idont— it has been expressed. there is no urgency. i don't think— it has been expressed. there is no urgency. i don't think the - it has been expressed. there is no urgency. i don't think the election| urgency. i don't think the election will be _ urgency. idon't think the election will be until— urgency. i don't think the election will be until the _ urgency. i don't think the election will be until the autumn. - urgency. idon't think the election will be until the autumn. let's- urgency. i don't think the election. will be until the autumn. let's hold that thought — tonight we are waiting for thejoe biden's end of nato gathering press conference, which has come at a critical moment for ukraine. just before we came on air, i spoke to the defence secretaryjohn healey, from washington. he met the president in the oval office yesterday and i asked him if he had any concerns with biden as commander in chief. none at all, he's simply on fine form, he's led a really successful

conference. a nato summit in which nato is bigger, stronger, more united than ever. the first time meeting as 32 nations at a summit. so, last night on newsnight, tony blair told me that he thought the west was not on the front foot on ukraine. what is your response to that? i think the response and the answer to that is this summit, where nato has stepped up, notjust for this year, but for the years ahead. the support for ukraine, together as an alliance on training, on equipment, on funding, on industrial production. and that's vital for ukraine now and in the years ahead. but it is also a powerful signal to putin that ukraine will have its support and we as nations in nato will stand with ukraine for as long as it takes for them to win.

interesting that you talk about production, you said today at a briefing that the uk faces a decade or more of russian aggression. what form do you think that aggression might take? well never mind the future, we have seen in recent years, although we have not really recognised it clearly enough, we've seen russian aggression directed to us and other western nations. cyber attacks, sabotage, orchestrated killings on our soil. so, we should be under no illusions, defence of the uk starts in ukraine. if putin wins in ukraine, he won't stop at ukraine. and that's why this week you've seen the new government get on with the business of government. we have made a confirmation that we will provide three billion in aid to ukraine this year and for every year through the rest of this decade. we have signed a new agreement with 12 other nations to get drones into the hands of ukrainians for the battle.

and we have also seen from olaf scholz and keir starmer a hard commitment to sign a new defence agreement between the uk and germany. the reason i ask that though is that we know that russia is engaged in assassination attempts of the executives of manufacturers of weapons for ukraine, of components for ukraine, including we heard today a plot foiled to kill the executive of rime metal. in britain, there are a number of weapons firm, a number of product—making firms for ukraine, how protected are they? well this is a security concern for us all, but it also tells us that our support for ukraine must be military, but it must go wider, it must be political, it must be industrial, it must be economic and it must be notjust the uk leading, as we have done in recent years, and i intend to make

sure we do in the period ahead. it's got to be the countries that stand with ukraine co—ordinating our supportjust as we have done at this nato summit. you were shadow defence, you know this brief very well, you have acknowledged that the british army has been hollowed out, there is a recruitment crisis, personnel expected to drop below 70,000 in two years. something radical has to be done about that, but there have been protests at universities like bristol and sheffield to the presence of training corps or any army recruitment stands at recruitment fairs. what's your message to those universities? my message to those students and those universities is quite simple, the foundation for any nation's success for the future is strong security. and we do have a recruitment crisis in this country now, throughout the last 11! years of the last government they missed their recruitment targets every year.

and i regret to say the level of british soldiers has already fallen below 73,000. so there is a big job to do to rebuild our fighting strength. notjust so that we can defend this country, but, by being strong, we can deter the risk that attacks in the future. so will a labour government continue to increase the number of nuclear warheads? the last government set a new threshold for those warheads. that's been fixed. we now need to look at how we rebuild after more than 11! years of our armed forces being hollowed out, of being underfunded, of not being fit enough to fight, to defend the country and deter future aggression. that's really the task the new government has taken on. and we do of course within the strength of an alliance now at nato

that is 32 nations strong. finally, john healey, on saturday cnd will be setting up a new peace camp at raf lakenheath to protest against the increased deployment of us nuclear weapons there. and there are a number of labour mps who are members of cnd. will labour mps be allowed to protest at that base? and to, if necessary for them, being involved in the disruption of the deployment of us nuclear weapons? well, the first thing i'd say to any labour mps who have concerns about that is talk to me and once i get back from washington i look forward to doing that in the house of commons next week. if that's your final question, kirsty, can ijust say we have kirsty, can i just say we are really going to miss you after 30 years on newsnight, with this being your last week. good luck. thank you very much

defence secretary, john healey, thank you very much. now, ijust now, i just want to play you a now, ijust want to play you a clip from joe biden from the last couple of moments at that closing ceremony of moments at that closing ceremony of nato leaders. haifa of moments at that closing ceremony of nato leaders.— of nato leaders. now i want to hand over to the — of nato leaders. now i want to hand over to the president _ of nato leaders. now i want to hand over to the president of _ of nato leaders. now i want to hand over to the president of ukraine, . over to the president of ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. ladies and gentlemen, president putin. president putin. he will beat president putin. i'm so focussed on beating putin, we have got to worry about it. hick focussed on beating putin, we have got to worry about it.— got to worry about it. nick your initial reaction. _ got to worry about it. nick your initial reaction. reuters - got to worry about it. nick your initial reaction. reuters are - got to worry about it. nick your i initial reaction. reuters are saying there were — initial reaction. reuters are saying there were gasps _ initial reaction. reuters are saying there were gasps in _ initial reaction. reuters are saying there were gasps in the room i initial reaction. reuters are saying | there were gasps in the room when president biden made that mistake and bloomberg said the moment the said it, people shouted out, no it is zelensky. and you saw president biden correct himself and reuters report the first thing that president zelensky said is, i'm better than putin. we talked about

how this was scripted. this is not a problem, joe biden can do this, but the press conference that won't be scripted and thin everything that peter mandelson and echo said happened in a scripted element. peter mandelson your reaction? it is peter mandelson your reaction? it is unfortunate- — peter mandelson your reaction? it is unfortunate. my view frankly is that the initiative — unfortunate. my view frankly is that the initiative is— unfortunate. my view frankly is that the initiative is going _ unfortunate. my view frankly is that the initiative is going to— unfortunate. my view frankly is that the initiative is going to pass - unfortunate. my view frankly is that the initiative is going to pass to- the initiative is going to pass to president — the initiative is going to pass to president obama _ the initiative is going to pass to president obama and _ the initiative is going to pass to president obama and mrs - the initiative is going to pass to- president obama and mrs oba ma. president _ president obama and mrs oba ma. president obama _ president obama and mrs oba ma. president obama as _ president obama and mrs oba ma. president obama as the _ president obama and mrs oba ma. president obama as the most i president obama and mrs oba ma. i president obama as the most recent ranking _ president obama as the most recent ranking democrat— president obama as the most recent ranking democrat president - president obama as the most recent ranking democrat president is - president obama as the most recent ranking democrat president is going| ranking democrat president is going to have _ ranking democrat president is going to have to— ranking democrat president is going to have to take _ ranking democrat president is going to have to take a _ ranking democrat president is going to have to take a position, - ranking democrat president is going to have to take a position, he - ranking democrat president is going to have to take a position, he is- to have to take a position, he is going _ to have to take a position, he is going to — to have to take a position, he is going to have _ to have to take a position, he is going to have to _ to have to take a position, he is going to have to take _ to have to take a position, he is going to have to take a stand. l going to have to take a stand. i have _ going to have to take a stand. i have heard _ going to have to take a stand. i have heard that _ going to have to take a stand. i have heard that the _ going to have to take a stand. i have heard that the article i going to have to take a stand. i have heard that the article thatj going to have to take a stand. i- have heard that the article that was written _ have heard that the article that was written or authored _ have heard that the article that was written or authored by _ have heard that the article that was written or authored by george - written or authored by george clooney— written or authored by george clooney was— written or authored by george clooney was actually- written or authored by george clooney was actually written l written or authored by george. clooney was actually written by obama — clooney was actually written by obama aides _ clooney was actually written by obama aides which _ clooney was actually written by obama aides which might - clooney was actually written by i obama aides which might suggest where _ obama aides which might suggest where mr— obama aides which might suggest where mr obama— obama aides which might suggest where mr obama stands. - obama aides which might suggest where mr obama stands. but i i obama aides which might suggest . where mr obama stands. but i think he has _

where mr obama stands. but i think he has not _ where mr obama stands. but i think he has notjust— where mr obama stands. but i think he has notjust got— where mr obama stands. but i think he has not just got to _ where mr obama stands. but i think he has not just got to talk _ where mr obama stands. but i think he has not just got to talk very- he has not just got to talk very frankly— he has not just got to talk very frankiy to _ he has not just got to talk very frankly to president _ he has not just got to talk very frankly to president biden, i he has not just got to talk veryj frankly to president biden, but he has not just got to talk veryi frankly to president biden, but i think— frankly to president biden, but i think he — frankly to president biden, but i think he has— frankly to president biden, but i think he has got— frankly to president biden, but i think he has got to _ frankly to president biden, but i think he has got to talk - frankly to president biden, but i think he has got to talk frankly. frankly to president biden, but i. think he has got to talk frankly to his friend — think he has got to talk frankly to his friend vice—president - think he has got to talk frankly to his friend vice—president kamala. his friend vice—president kamala harris _ his friend vice—president kamala harris. because _ his friend vice—president kamala harris. because i— his friend vice—president kamala harris. because i don't - his friend vice—president kamala harris. because i don't think- his friend vice—president kamala| harris. because i don't think that there _ harris. because i don't think that there wiii— harris. because i don't think that there will be _ harris. because i don't think that there will be a _ harris. because i don't think that there will be a consensus - harris. because i don't think that there will be a consensus in- harris. because i don't think that there will be a consensus in the i there will be a consensus in the democrat— there will be a consensus in the democrat party— there will be a consensus in the democrat party that _ there will be a consensus in the democrat party that should i there will be a consensus in the democrat party that should mr. there will be a consensus in the i democrat party that should mr biden step back. _ democrat party that should mr biden step back, as— democrat party that should mr biden step back, as i— democrat party that should mr biden step back, as i think— democrat party that should mr biden step back, as i think most _ democrat party that should mr biden step back, as i think most now- democrat party that should mr biden step back, as i think most now want. step back, as i think most now want him to— step back, as i think most now want him to do. _ step back, as i think most now want him to do. the— step back, as i think most now want him to do, the better— step back, as i think most now want him to do, the better replacement. him to do, the better replacement would _ him to do, the better replacement would be — him to do, the better replacement would be as— him to do, the better replacement would be as candidate _ him to do, the better replacement. would be as candidate vice—president harris _ would be as candidate vice-president harris. �* ., , ., . ,, would be as candidate vice-president harris. , ., . ,, . harris. bonnie, before we talk about that, ou harris. bonnie, before we talk about that. you know— harris. bonnie, before we talk about that, you know we _ harris. bonnie, before we talk about that, you know we all— harris. bonnie, before we talk about i that, you know we all make mistakes, but he was probably over preparing to say the right thing. has but he was probably over preparing to say the right thing.— to say the right thing. as the only anelist to say the right thing. as the only panelist that _ to say the right thing. as the only panelist that can _ to say the right thing. as the only panelist that can vote _ to say the right thing. as the only panelist that can vote in - to say the right thing. as the only i panelist that can vote in november, that moment ended it for him. i'm a supporter— that moment ended it for him. i'm a supporter of — that moment ended it for him. i'm a supporter of this man. and peter said something quite wonderful and i want to— said something quite wonderful and i want to point out that as president

forjoe _ want to point out that as president forjoe biden to do this beautifully, and that is lbj resigned on tv. we didn't know that was coming — resigned on tv. we didn't know that was coming. none of us knew this was coming _ was coming. none of us knew this was coming he _ was coming. none of us knew this was coming. he looked in the camera, he said, _ coming. he looked in the camera, he said. as _ coming. he looked in the camera, he said. as your— coming. he looked in the camera, he said, as your president, and i'm old enough _ said, as your president, and i'm old enough to— said, as your president, and i'm old enough to rememberthis, said, as your president, and i'm old enough to remember this, it was a shock, _ enough to remember this, it was a shock, he — enough to remember this, it was a shock, he said as your president, i can't _ shock, he said as your president, i can't continue. and president biden who is— can't continue. and president biden who is obviously in distress. we are looking _ who is obviously in distress. we are looking at— who is obviously in distress. we are looking at a — who is obviously in distress. we are looking at a human being now and this man _ looking at a human being now and this man needs to sit down and talk to his family, talk to the american peopie _ to his family, talk to the american peopie and — to his family, talk to the american people and hand over to his vice—president. in people and hand over to his vice-president.— people and hand over to his vice- - resident. ., vice-president. in the immediate moments. _ vice-president. in the immediate moments, which _ vice-president. in the immediate moments, which is _ vice-president. in the immediate moments, which is within - vice-president. in the immediate moments, which is within the i vice-president. in the immediate . moments, which is within the next vice-president. in the immediate i moments, which is within the next 40 moments, which is within the next a0 minutes, he is due to be unscripted at that press conference. he can't can sell. it at that press conference. he can't can sell. . ., at that press conference. he can't can sell. , . . ., . can sell. it is an attritional situation. _ can sell. it is an attritional situation. if _ can sell. it is an attritional situation. if this _ can sell. it is an attritional situation. if this had i can sell. it is an attritional- situation. if this had happened in a different_ situation. if this had happened in a different context, _ situation. if this had happened in a different context, you _ situation. if this had happened in a different context, you would - situation. if this had happened in a different context, you would have i different context, you would have passed _ different context, you would have passed it — different context, you would have passed it off _ different context, you would have passed it off. right _ different context, you would have passed it off. right now, - different context, you would have passed it off. right now, with - different context, you would have \ passed it off. right now, with this kind of— passed it off. right now, with this kind of scrutiny, _ passed it off. right now, with this kind of scrutiny, it _ passed it off. right now, with this kind of scrutiny, it means - passed it off. right now, with this. kind of scrutiny, it means whatever

happens _ kind of scrutiny, it means whatever happens in — kind of scrutiny, it means whatever happens in this— kind of scrutiny, it means whatever happens in this press _ kind of scrutiny, it means whatever happens in this press conference i happens in this press conference today. _ happens in this press conference today. any— happens in this press conference today. any other _ happens in this press conference today, any other moment - happens in this press conference today, any other moment and i happens in this press conference i today, any other moment and there will be _ today, any other moment and there will be other— today, any other moment and there will be other moments, _ today, any other moment and there will be other moments, will- today, any other moment and there will be other moments, will then i today, any other moment and there i will be other moments, will then be seen as— will be other moments, will then be seen as a _ will be other moments, will then be seen as a microcos. _ will be other moments, will then be seen as a microcos. 0f _ will be other moments, will then be seen as a microcos. of a _ will be other moments, will then be seen as a microcos. of a larger - seen as a microcos. of a larger issue — seen as a microcos. of a larger issue and _ seen as a microcos. of a larger issue and the _ seen as a microcos. of a larger issue. and the only— seen as a microcos. of a larger issue. and the only way - seen as a microcos. of a larger issue. and the only way out. seen as a microcos. of a larger issue. and the only way out isi seen as a microcos. of a largeri issue. and the only way out is if seen as a microcos. of a larger - issue. and the only way out is if he quits _ issue. and the only way out is if he quits that — issue. and the only way out is if he quits that is — issue. and the only way out is if he quits. that is the _ issue. and the only way out is if he quits. that is the truth. _ issue. and the only way out is if he quits. that is the truth. it- issue. and the only way out is if he quits. that is the truth. [it is- issue. and the only way out is if he quits. that is the truth.— quits. that is the truth. it is a beautiful _ quits. that is the truth. it is a beautiful way _ quits. that is the truth. it is a beautiful way to _ quits. that is the truth. it is a beautiful way to do _ quits. that is the truth. it is a beautiful way to do it. - quits. that is the truth. it is a beautiful way to do it. we - quits. that is the truth. it is a l beautiful way to do it. we could beautifully resign. but beautiful way to do it. we could beautifully resign.— beautiful way to do it. we could beautifully resign. but he has to do it live from washington. this is bbc news. president biden is preparing to hold a crucial news conference in washington at the end of the nato summit. it comes on a day when several more democrats in congress and another hollywood star call

for him to withdraw. but the president has received praise from world leaders — including from the british prime minister. we went through a huge number of issues at pace, he was actually in really good form.— issues at pace, he was actually in really good form. mentally agile? definitely come _ really good form. mentally agile? definitely come across _ really good form. mentally agile? definitely come across all - really good form. mentally agile? definitely come across all the - definitely come across all the details. welcome to the nato summit here in washington where in 30 minutes' time we're expecting president biden to face a crucial and rare solo news conference as pressure mounts on him to pull out of the us presidential race. it's expected to get under way in about 30 minutes or so. we haven't

seen a solo press conference by president biden for