US President Joe Biden made an appearance on ABC News to address concerns about his recent debate performance and his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race.
The interview, which was broadcast during prime time, came after a debate with former President Donald Trump that left many Democrats questioning Biden's ability to lead the party and win a second term.
During a rally in Wisconsin on the same day, Biden confidently told his supporters, "I’m running and going to win.”
In the interview with George Stephanopoulos, Biden dismissed the idea of standing down for a younger candidate, despite some Democratic officials and donors suggesting this after his debate with Trump.
The president also declined to take a public cognitive test to prove his fitness for office, asserting that his daily duties serve as a continuous cognitive assessment. He attributed his debate performance issues to exhaustion and a cold.
The journalist pressed Biden on his health and ability to serve another term. In response, Biden mentioned discussions with pollsters who indicated that the race against Trump was a "toss-up."
When asked about the possibility of withdrawing from the race, Biden humorously remarked that only divine intervention would make him consider such a move.
"If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race,” he said. “The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.”
Despite a raspy voice, Biden's responses in the interview were clearer than his debate performance, contrasting with his energetic rally speech in Madison, Wisconsin, where he tackled the criticism head-on.
Biden highlighted his accomplishments in office, including job creation and student debt relief, challenging the notion that his age was a barrier to defeating Trump.
The interview and rally occurred at a pivotal time for Biden's campaign, with Democratic donors and allies deliberating their support.
The campaign recognizes the importance of the upcoming days for Biden's re-election bid, especially in light of his need to recover lost momentum after the debate with Trump.
Biden faced direct criticism from some attendees at the Wisconsin rally, with signs urging him to "Pass the torch, Joe" and "Save your legacy, drop out!"
The pressure on Biden to reconsider his candidacy has intensified following the debate, with some prominent Democratic donors threatening to withhold funding unless there is a change in the party's nominee.
Biden, however, remains resolute in his commitment to run and win the upcoming election.