Six hours ago, Mike Wendling and Max Matza from BBC News reported that US President Joe Biden sat down for a rare primetime interview with ABC News in an effort to ease concerns over his re-election bid. During the interview, Biden stated that only the “Lord Almighty” could convince him to end his bid for re-election. He also declined to take a cognitive test publicly to reassure voters of his fitness for another term, stating that he has a cognitive test every day.
Biden pushed back on suggestions from some Democratic officials and donors that he should step aside for a younger alternative following his debate with Donald Trump. He emphasized his qualifications to be president and his determination to win the race. Despite sounding weak and occasionally hoarse during the interview, Biden appeared energized at a rally in Wisconsin, where he reaffirmed his commitment to running and winning again.
Pressure on Biden to step aside has increased following concerns about his age and mental fitness raised during the debate. Some major Democratic donors have called for him to be replaced as the party’s nominee. However, Biden’s campaign is planning an aggressive comeback, with his wife Jill Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris scheduled to campaign in swing states. Reports suggest that Biden’s senior team is aware of the pressure within the Democratic Party to make a decision on his candidacy soon.
While some House Democrats have called for Biden to withdraw from the race, no senior Democrats have officially asked him to quit. Senator Mark Warner reportedly considered forming a group of fellow Democratic senators to ask Biden to drop out, but Biden stated that Warner was the only one considering that option. Despite the challenges, Biden remains determined to continue his campaign and secure another term as president. El mismo día, la gobernadora de Massachusetts Maura Healey, una demócrata y aliada del Sr. Biden, emitió una declaración instando al presidente a “evaluar cuidadosamente” si sigue siendo el candidato demócrata. “Sea lo que decida el presidente Biden, estoy comprometida a hacer todo lo que esté en mi poder para derrotar a Donald Trump”, dijo.
Algunos votantes demócratas también han perdido la fe en la capacidad del Sr. Biden para postularse. En una encuesta del Wall Street Journal publicada el viernes, el 86% de los demócratas dijeron que apoyarían al Sr. Biden, frente al 93% en febrero.
En el mitin en Madison, varios partidarios de Biden le dijeron a BBC News que apoyaban su candidatura para la reelección y no estaban preocupados por el debacle del debate. “No me preocupa su salud. Creo que puede llegar hasta las elecciones y más allá”, dijo Susan Shotliff, maestra de primaria de 56 años.
Algunos dijeron que aunque el Sr. Biden luchaba por encontrar palabras, se debería prestar más atención a su rival republicano. “Durante el debate, [Trump] dijo un montón de mentiras. ¿Cómo es eso peor que lo que hizo Biden?” dijo Greg Hovel, de 67 años.
Otros expresaron más preocupación. “Quería ver de primera mano cómo es, sus gestos, su energía”, dijo Thomas Leffler, un investigador de salud de Madison. “Estoy preocupado por su capacidad para vencer a Trump”.
“A medida que envejece, creo que cada vez será más un problema. Pero votaré azul pase lo que pase”, dijo.