US elections: In a rare appearance at the White House press room, US President Joe Biden addressed a wide range of topics, including the latest positive jobs report and ongoing global issues. This press conference also marked the first time Biden directly answered questions from the White House press corps, touching on the economy, the 2024 presidential election, and growing tensions in the Middle East.Biden on 2024 election and Trumps statementsDuring the briefing, Biden expressed concerns regarding the upcoming 2024 presidential election, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair and free election. However, he raised doubts about a peaceful outcome, citing troubling statements made by former President Donald Trump. Biden warned, What Trump said was extremely dangerous, and pointed to Trumps history of contesting unfavourable election outcomes.I am confident the election will be fair, Biden remarked, but whether it will be peaceful is another question.Tune in for a briefing with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. https://t.co/ABwecCUn9m— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 4, 2024Strong jobs report meets scepticismA key highlight of the briefing was the announcement of 254,000 new jobs, leading to a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.1%. While the data signalled economic growth, Biden faced scepticism from Republicans. Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., took to social media to criticise the report, saying, Another fake jobs report out from Biden-Harris government today. Biden, however, defended the administrations economic policies and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a strong economy despite low consumer confidence in some sectors.Middle east tensions and US foreign policyAddressing rising tensions in the Middle East, Biden responded to questions about the possibility of Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities. He suggested that Israel should seek alternative measures and reaffirmed ongoing cooperation with Vice President Kamala Harris on international and domestic matters.
