According to reports from multiple outlets, President Joe Biden joked with donors on Tuesday that he “fell asleep” on the debate stage due to recent travel.
President Biden met with donors during a campaign event on Tuesday, attributing jet lag from recent trips to Europe as adding more pressure on him ahead of the debate.
“I wasn’t very smart. I decided to travel around the world a couple of times,” he said.
According to reports by The Associated Press, President Biden mentioned that he “didn’t listen to my staff” regarding the demands of travel, and admitted to “falling asleep on stage” during his debate against former President Donald Trump last week.
White House officials have reiterated that President Biden has no plans of stepping aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president in the 2024 election. The White House also announced a schedule of meetings between the president and Democratic governors, a press conference, and an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on Friday.
President Biden’s campaign disclosed that they, along with the DNC, raised $264 million in the second quarter and reaffirmed that there are no intentions for President Biden to exit the race.
Related story: Texas Rep. Doggett first sitting Democrat to publicly call for Biden to exit presidential race
However, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first sitting Democrat in Congress to publicly urge President Biden to withdraw from the race.
The Associated Press reported that donors and some on Capitol Hill were feeling “growing anxiety” about President Biden’s ability to win a close race against Trump.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC that concerns over President Biden’s performance at the debate were a “legitimate question.”
Related story: Biden and Democrats raise $264 million in 2nd quarter as they seek to calm post-debate anxieties
