'I’m running the world', Biden says during ABC News interview
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Once more, the US President unintentionally gives his rivals an edge ahead of the upcoming US elections, as Biden maintains he will not step down "unless directed by God."
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US President Joe Biden speaks at the grand opening ceremony for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, on June 28, 2024, in New York. (AP)
Following his lackluster performance in last week’s debate against Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden sought to address concerns about his age and cognitive abilities in an interview with ABC News on Friday.
In the highly anticipated sit-down with George Stephanopoulos, the 81-year-old leader attributed the debate fiasco entirely to himself, stating, “It’s my fault, no one else’s fault.” He emphasized that it was simply a “bad episode” due to being “exhausted” and “sick” with a “bad cold” — stressing it was not indicative of any serious condition.
Biden revealed, "I have medical doctors trailing me everywhere I go," and they informed him post-debate that he was "exhausted," but nothing more severe. He added, "I have an ongoing assessment of what I’m doing. They don’t hesitate to tell me if something is wrong."
When asked directly whether he was prepared to undergo a neurological test to reassure Americans about his capabilities, Biden sidestepped the question, asserting, “I have a cognitive test every single day.”
“Every day I have that test,” Biden reiterated when pressed again. “Not only am I campaigning, but I’m running the world, and that’s not hyperbole.”
Not considering withdrawing
The entire interview circled back repeatedly, with Stephanopoulos pressing Biden on whether he believed he was fit enough to defeat Trump, while Biden defended his track record and adamantly rejected the idea of stepping down despite declining poll numbers.
Biden dismissed poll results showing him behind Trump in the popular vote, asserting that the race is a “toss-up” and that he is the “most qualified person to beat him.”
When asked if he would consider withdrawing from the race if Democratic Party leaders requested it, Biden declined to speculate, stating he would only withdraw if instructed to do so by God.
A lot of shade has been thrown at the incumbent President, especially after the recent Trump-Biden debate. Biden's abysmal performance in the presidential debate has been extremely difficult to ignore for his foreign allies, Bloomberg reported.
Biden's foreign allies who previously excused his gaffes did so for fear that Trump would reclaim power. Now, even Ukrainian officials want him to step aside to allow the chance for someone to defeat Trump and preserve alliance unity between Ukraine and NATO, according to sources familiar with the subject.
There is concern about Biden's performance at the NATO summit he is scheduled to host in the US next week when his every move, gesture, and word will be evaluated in a harsh light.
