JOE BIDEN held a long-awaited press conference on July 11th, but in the end two press conferences really took place. The first focused on policy, from a ceasefire in Gaza to restrictions on the use of American weapons in Ukraine. Here, despite some rhetorical flubs, Mr Biden demonstrated the firm grasp on issues that Americans expect from their president. The second press conference focused on politics. The embattled presidential candidate answered questions, often defensively, about his fitness for office and increasing opposition to his remaining in the race. This was an improvement over his calamitous performance at the debate with Donald Trump and his arrogant interview with ABC News afterward. Yet it won’t be enough to silence his doubters just yet.