During a TV interview on Friday, Joe Biden responded to questions regarding his mental fitness and electability following a debate performance that led to calls for him to end his re-election campaign.
Amid concerns among Democratic voters, lawmakers, and donors, the one-on-one interview with the ABC network was seen as a crucial moment in the 81-year-old president’s career.
However, the 22-minute interview failed to provide much reassurance, with Biden attributing his performance to illness and downplaying concerns raised within his party about the debate’s impact on his chances.
“I was sick, I was feeling terrible… I just had a really bad cold,” stated Biden, his first unscripted comments since the debate with Donald Trump.
Although the interview was intended to help Biden address the situation, his hoarse voice and vague responses were criticized by some Democrats as being “out of touch.”
When asked if staying in the race could harm Democrats’ chances of winning the White House, Biden confidently stated, “I don’t think anybody’s more qualified to be president or win this race than me.”
Biden avoided calls for a cognitive assessment, insisting that the responsibilities of the presidency mean he undergoes such tests every day.
Following the interview, the Trump campaign sarcastically commented on social media about Biden, claiming he was “in denial and in decline.”
This interview came after Biden’s lackluster performance at the debate, causing panic within his party and calls for him to step aside.
– ‘I’ll beat Trump’ –
Despite the pressure, the Biden campaign has reaffirmed his commitment to the race, releasing a campaign travel schedule for July just hours before the ABC interview.
Speaking at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin, Biden confidently declared, “I’m staying in the race. I’ll beat Donald Trump.”
Post-debate polls have shown Trump leading, with several Democrats urging Biden to withdraw from the race. Lawmakers like Mark Warner and Hakeem Jeffries are reportedly planning discussions with their colleagues to address the situation.
During the ABC interview, Biden was asked if he would step down if he believed he couldn’t defeat Trump, to which he humorously replied, “If the Lord Almighty tells me, I might consider that.”
Biden admitted to not watching the debate and dismissed concerns about his health, attributing his poor performance to exhaustion and lack of preparation.
Different voices, including former Obama aide David Axelrod, have criticized Biden for being “dangerously out of touch” with concerns about his fitness for office.
The White House announced Biden’s upcoming visits and press conferences, indicating his active campaign despite the challenges he faces.