Reports from multiple outlets state that President Joe Biden joked with donors on Tuesday about falling asleep on the debate stage due to recent travel.
During a campaign event on Tuesday, President Biden met with donors and mentioned that jet lag from recent trips to Europe had added pressure before the debate.
He humorously remarked, “I wasn’t very smart. I decided to travel around the world a couple of times.”
The Associated Press reported that President Biden admitted to not heeding his staff’s advice on the challenges of travel, leading to him falling asleep during the debate against former President Donald Trump last week.
Despite growing concerns from donors and lawmakers, White House officials have reiterated that President Biden has no plans to step aside as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. Scheduled meetings, a press conference, and an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos were announced for Friday.
President Biden’s campaign disclosed raising $264 million in the second quarter with the DNC and dismissed any speculation of him exiting 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 publicly urged President Biden to withdraw from the race on Tuesday, becoming the first sitting Democrat in Congress to do so.
Sources cited by The Associated Press mentioned donors and some on Capitol Hill expressing growing anxiety about President Biden’s chances against Trump in a close race.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC that concerns over President Biden’s debate performance were valid.
Related story: Biden and Democrats raise $264 million in 2nd quarter as they seek to calm post-debate anxieties
