In his first televised interview following the recent presidential debate, President Joe Biden addressed the growing concerns surrounding his mental and physical state. Several lawmakers and prominent party members have suggested Biden should suspend his campaign, allowing another candidate to become the official nominee.
Now speaking with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, the President firmly rejected calls for him to step aside from the 2024 race. He dismissed these concerns, attributing his debate performance to exhaustion and inadequate preparation.
“It was a bad episode, no indication of any serious condition,” President Joe Biden stated. “I was exhausted. I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing and it was a bad night.”
When pressed about the possibility of allies in Congress urging him to leave the race, Biden refused to entertain the idea, stating firmly, “I’m not going to answer that question. It’s not going to happen.”
He also addressed questions about his cognitive abilities. While declining to commit to a formal cognitive exam, Biden argued that his daily responsibilities as President serve as an ongoing test of his capabilities.
“I have a cognitive test every single day. Every day I have that test, everything I do,” Biden asserted. “You know, not only am I campaigning, I’m running the world.”
The interview aired shortly after Biden held a rally in Madison, Wisconsin, where he focused on criticizing his likely opponent, former President Donald Trump. Biden emphasized the importance of character and honesty in the upcoming election, stating,
“Let’s focus on what really matters: We’re running against the biggest liar and the biggest threat to our democracy in American history. That’s not hyperbole.”
During the rally, Biden listed his accomplishments and defended his record.
“I’m not letting one, 90-minute debate wipe out three-and-a-half years of work,” he declared.
On the topic of his age and stamina, President Joe Biden defended his ability to serve another term. “I believe so,” he said when asked if he had the mental and physical stamina to remain president for another four years.
“I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I did. Look, I’m running again because I think I understand best what has to be done to take this nation to a completely new level.”
Despite Biden’s assurances, some Democrats remain unconvinced. Illinois Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley publicly called for Biden to step aside, saying on MSNBC,
“Mr. President, your legacy is set. We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude. The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this.”
With his campaign moving forward as planned, President Joe Biden is still yet to fully reassure voters and party members about his fitness for office. However, he still has a few months left in the campaign to do that.
