Joe Biden is not dropping out of the US presidential race, his spokeswoman declared.
This was after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, pressure has increased, causing panic within the Democratic Party.
Polls showed Trump gaining a lead, and some Democrats began considering a replacement candidate.
Reports claimed Biden, 81, admitted to a key ally that his reelection hopes depended on quickly reassuring the public of his capability.
However, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre firmly denied these reports, stating, “The president is clear-eyed and he is staying in the race.”
In a call with campaign and party staff, Biden asserted, “I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win because when Democrats unite, we always win.
Just as we beat Donald Trump in 2020, we’re going to beat him again in 2024.”
At an emergency meeting with Democratic governors, Biden reiterated his commitment, receiving continued support from attendees.
Despite admitting he performed poorly in the debate, Biden defended his overall record.
Stating in a radio interview, “I screwed up. I made a mistake. That’s 90 minutes on stage. Look at what I’ve done in 3.5 years.”
The Biden campaign has been working to reassure Democratic donors and voters that the debate performance was an isolated incident.
However, some party figures have expressed frustration. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, a major Democratic donor, called for Biden to step aside to allow a stronger candidate to challenge Trump.
Joe Biden losing numbers
A New York Times poll showed Trump leading Joe Biden 49% to 43% among likely voters, adding to concerns.
Biden’s slow response in reaching out to Democratic leaders after the debate has also caused frustration.
Biden is set to be tested again in an upcoming ABC News interview and during visits to swing states Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
He cited fatigue as a reason for his poor debate performance, admitting it was unwise to travel extensively before the debate.
Democratic lawmakers are beginning to express their doubts publicly.
Arizona congressman Raul Grijalva called on Biden to consider stepping aside, suggesting it was time to look for a new candidate.
In Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, locals felt sympathy for him, but campaign signs were noticeably absent.
“I was embarrassed for him. I felt he didn’t feel well and he probably shouldn’t have gone on the stage,” said 73-year-old Jamie Hayes.
