Joe Biden affirmed on Friday his commitment to continue in the White House race and attributed his lackluster debate performance to feeling unwell due to a cold.
In an attempt to salvage his reelection campaign, he participated in a crucial TV interview with ABC network, which was touted as the most significant moment in his lengthy career at 81 years old. During an excerpt of his first TV appearance following the debate with Donald Trump, the president mentioned, “I was unwell, I felt terrible… We were trying to determine the cause.” He further explained that medical tests ruled out any infection or virus, attributing his condition solely to a severe cold.
In the released clip, Biden’s voice sounded hoarse, and his responses were somewhat rambling, which may not have instilled confidence among Democrats. The Trump campaign swiftly responded with a mocking post on X, stating, “Biden sounds great!”
The full interview, scheduled to air later on Friday, followed a debate in Atlanta that sparked anxiety within the Democratic party, leading to calls for Biden to withdraw from the race. Despite mounting pressure, the Biden campaign strongly refuted any suggestions of his withdrawal and, shortly before the ABC interview, unveiled an aggressive campaign itinerary for the remainder of July.
During a campaign event in Madison, Wisconsin, the president delivered a spirited speech, firmly stating, “I am remaining in the race. I will defeat Donald Trump.”
As his supporters cheered, he launched an attack against his rival.
– Polls tip toward Trump –
“Let’s focus on what really matters,” Biden stated, reading from teleprompters. “We’re running against the biggest liar and the biggest threat… to our democracy in American history — that’s not hyperbole.”
Post-debate polls have shown a widening deficit in Trump’s favor, and at least three Democrats in Congress have called on Biden to step aside, as have several major newspapers and a raft of Democratic-supporting political commentators.
Wealthy Disney heiress and Democratic supporter Abigail Disney, told CNBC she plans to withhold donations to the party until Biden drops out, saying bluntly that “if Biden does not step down the Democrats will lose” in November.
“This is realism, not disrespect,” she said.
Senate Intelligence Committee chariman Mark Warner has approached fellow Democrats to organize talks on Monday on Biden’s path forward, multiple US media outlets reported.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was convening his own meeting — a video call with senior Democrats — on Sunday, according to NBC News.
Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democratic voices, has deemed it “essential” he do more major interviews to prove himself.
The White House has announced he will hold a press conference during the NATO summit in Washington next Thursday, but has not revealed any details on its format or length.
Biden’s travel plans include Pennsylvania this weekend, then the NATO meeting, and back on the campaign trail with a swing through the American Southwest.
The president will “engage in frequent off-the-cuff moments over the course of the month, as he has consistently throughout this campaign,” his team said, seeking to emphasize his folksy charm.
Trump has meanwhile dared Biden to another debate, or an “all-on discussion,” saying he was ready “anytime, anywhere, any place.”
Amidst rumors circulating about a possible change in the Democratic ticket, Kamala Harris, the first female vice president of the nation, has found herself thrust into the limelight.
The 59-year-old ex-prosecutor has publicly shown steadfast support for Biden, while also positioning herself as a prominent alternative should he decide to relinquish his position.
