Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run for re-election, despite intensifying pressure following his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphatically stated on Wednesday that Biden is “absolutely not” pulling out of the race.
The veteran Democrat, now 81, is facing mounting scrutiny and skepticism from within his party. According to reports from the New York Times and CNN, Biden confided in a key ally about the urgent need to reassure the public of his capability to lead the nation, particularly after his disappointing debate showing. “He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place,” the ally revealed, underscoring the critical nature of Biden’s upcoming television interview scheduled for Friday.
In response to these reports, the White House swiftly dismissed them as false. However, prominent figures within the Democratic establishment have expressed bewilderment and frustration over what they perceive as deflection and excuses from the president and his team in the wake of his often incoherent debate performance.
Despite these criticisms, Jean-Pierre reiterated to reporters on Wednesday that Biden is not considering withdrawing from the race.
The president is also facing calls from within his own party to step aside. Representative Raul Grijalva became the second Democrat in Congress to urge Biden to withdraw from the race on Wednesday, following Representative Lloyd Doggett’s similar call the day before. Requests for comment from both Grijalva’s office and Biden’s campaign have yet to be answered.
As Biden prepares for his first post-debate TV interview, the pressure is on to demonstrate his readiness and ability to lead the country once again, with the eyes of both his supporters and critics keenly watching his next moves.