Two weeks ago, alarms went off after President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance. Amid increasing calls from within his own party for him to drop out of the presidential race, he made it clear Thursday night during a highly-anticipated news conference that he intends to stay on as the Democratic nominee.
“I’m determined on running, but I think it’s important that I allay fears by letting them see me out there,” Biden said.
Despite a rough start to his first solo news conference since November, where he mixed up names and even referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump,” Biden’s news conference offered detailed answers on complex foreign policy issues.
“I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president,” Biden confidently stated. “There are other people that could beat Trump, too… but (they’d have to) start from scratch.”
He fielded multiple questions from White House reporters about concerns over whether he’s fit for the office. These concerns ranged from whether he should take a cognitive test to whether he can win the race against former President Donald Trump, and whether he wants these recent weeks to be his legacy.
“I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started,” the president responded.
In the days since the CNN presidential debate, seventeen House Democrats, including three from Illinois – U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley, Brad Schneider, and Eric Sorensen – have called for the president to drop out of the race. Even some high-profile donors like George Clooney have expressed their doubts. However, Biden has met with Democratic governors and mayors from around the country in an effort to persuade them that he should remain the Democratic nominee.
During the news conference, the president also disparaged polling data that has Trump winning the race and dismissed reports that he told the nation’s governors he needed to go to bed earlier.
“That’s not true. Look, what I said was: Instead of my everyday starting at 7 and going to bed at midnight, it’d be smarter for me to pace myself a little more,” Biden clarified.
As the news conference came to an end, Biden was asked whether he would step aside if polling showed Harris would fare better than him against Trump.
“No, unless they came back and said there’s no way you can win. No one’s saying that. No poll says that,” Biden confidently replied.
Despite the recent calls for him to drop out of the race, Biden remains determined to continue his campaign. He is focused on completing the job he started and leading the country towards a better future.
“I’m in this for the American people. I’m in this to make a positive impact and to bring about real change,” Biden emphasized.
His news conference may have featured gaffes, but it also showcased his extensive knowledge and experience in foreign policy. Biden’s determination and resilience in the face of challenges prove that he is the right person to lead the country during these uncertain times.
In the end, it’s not about his legacy or personal ambition. It’s about serving the American people and fulfilling his promise to make their lives better. As the president himself stated, “I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started.” And that’s exactly what he intends to do.
