Joe Biden, the 81-year-old US President, recently defended his mental acuity and ability to govern for a second term in a highly anticipated interview with ABC News. During the 20-minute interview, Biden asserted, 'No one is more qualified than me to be president or to win this election.' Despite concerns about his cognitive abilities, Biden dismissed the need for a cognitive test, equating the presidency to 'taking a cognitive test every day.'
In the interview, Biden addressed his poor performance in the recent TV debate against Donald Trump, attributing it to a cold and fatigue. He insisted that it was just a 'bad evening' and maintained that he is still a strong candidate. He also expressed skepticism about the polls showing him trailing behind Trump, stating that he believes he is 'neck and neck' with his rival.
Biden's appearance in the interview did little to quell doubts within his party. Some Democratic leaders and major donors have expressed concerns about his candidacy. Four Democratic parliamentarians have openly asked Biden to reconsider his run, and Democratic Governor Maura Healey has urged him to evaluate his candidacy carefully. Despite this, Biden remains resolute, stating, 'I remain in the race' and 'I will beat Donald Trump.'
The Republican camp has seized on Biden's interview, with spokespersons like Karoline Leavitt claiming that the president is 'in denial and in decline.' Even influential Democratic figures, such as former Obama strategist David Axelrod, have voiced concerns about Biden's apparent disconnection from voters' concerns.
Biden's campaign team, however, is not backing down. They have laid out an aggressive campaign plan for July, including an array of television spots and visits to key states, particularly in the southwest during the Republican convention. Biden's team aims to bolster his support and reaffirm his position as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 election.
- Biden's interview with ABC News was intended to mitigate the damage from his previous TV debate with Trump. However, experts believe that the interview did not effectively dispel doubts about Biden's fitness for office. His refusal to undergo a cognitive test and his dismissal of unfavorable polls have raised further questions about his candidacy.
- Despite the criticism, Biden remains committed to his campaign. He has emphasized his experience and qualifications, stating that only divine intervention could make him withdraw from the race. His campaign strategy for the coming months includes increased public appearances and travel to contested states to garner more support.
- Support within the Democratic Party is wavering, with some major donors and influential figures expressing their reservations. Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of a founder of the media company Disney, has announced that she will withhold financial support for the Democratic Party until Biden withdraws from the race. This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the party about Biden's ability to secure a victory in the 2024 election.
