President Joe Biden affirmed his intention to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump in the upcoming November presidential election, showing no sign of stepping aside despite a lacklustre debate performance that disappointed his fellow Democrats.
“I’m aware I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” a spirited Biden remarked at a rally the day after the debate, which was broadly seen as a setback for the 81-year-old president. “I don’t walk as easily, I don’t speak as smoothly, and I don’t debate as effectively as I used to,” he acknowledged, as the crowd chanted “Four more years.”
Biden asserted his commitment to the presidency, saying, “I wouldn’t be running again if I didn’t wholeheartedly believe I could do this job. The stakes are too high.” His stumbles and occasionally rambling answers during the debate amplified concerns about his fitness for another term and led some Democrats to question if they could replace him as their candidate for the November 5 election.
Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler dismissed any notion of Biden dropping out, stating, “We’d rather have one bad night than a candidate with a bad vision for the country.” An “all hands on deck” meeting was held on Friday to reassure campaign staffers of Biden’s continued candidacy.
While Trump, 78, spread numerous falsehoods during the debate, the post-debate focus was primarily on Biden, particularly among Democrats. Democratic Party leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided a direct response when asked about his confidence in Biden’s candidacy.
“I support the ticket. I support the Senate Democratic majority. We’re going to do everything possible to take back the House in November,” he said. Other Democrats similarly evaded direct answers, with Senator Jack Reed commenting, “That’s the president’s decision.”
However, senior party figures like former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama expressed their support for Biden. Obama stated on X, “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and somebody who only cares about himself.”
The New York Times editorial board, which endorsed Biden in 2020, called for him to step aside to give the Democratic Party a better chance against Trump. They suggested that Biden’s greatest public service now would be to announce his withdrawal from the race.
Despite the criticisms, the Biden campaign reported raising $14 million on Thursday and Friday, with the single best hour of fundraising occurring immediately after the debate. The Trump campaign also saw a boost, raising $8 million on the night of the debate. Preliminary viewership data indicated that only 48 million Americans watched the debate, significantly fewer than the 73 million who watched the last debate in 2020.
Biden, the oldest American president in history, has secured enough support to guarantee his nomination. Trump, having overcome intra-party challengers, is set for a prolonged general election battle. If Biden were to step aside, the Democratic Party would have limited time to choose another nominee before the national convention starting on August 19, potentially leading to a contentious process involving figures like Vice President Kamala Harris.
At a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump claimed victory over Biden, who he accused of trying to destroy the country. Trump asserted that Biden’s issue was not his age but his competence. Trump’s advisors believe the debate could enhance their chances in Democratic-leaning states like Virginia. Some Trump supporters voiced concerns about Biden’s performance, fearing a more competitive replacement might be found.
Despite his own controversies, including a recent conviction and multiple indictments, Trump remains a formidable contender. His sentencing is scheduled just days before the party convention. Biden’s shaky debate performance drew global reactions, with public calls for him to step aside, leaving America’s allies bracing for a potential Trump return.