With his re-election campaign in crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden is hoping an interview with ABC News will convince Americans, and fellow Democrats, that he is indeed fit to run after a disastrous debate performance.

Washington

Donald Trump is preparing to take office after defeating Kamala Harris in the U.S. Presidential election.

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U.S. President Joe Biden participated in a highly anticipated interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. Biden aimed to address concerns regarding his capability and mental fitness for re-election after a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump. During the interview, Biden acknowledged he had a rough night but affirmed he still believes in his ability to serve effectively.

The conversation included questions about Biden's perceived frailty and recent lapses. Biden confidently stated he remains in "good shape" and denies being more frail. Despite facing public pressure for his age and mental acuity, Biden asserted his determination to remain in the race, emphasizing his past success in defeating Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Biden has faced increased scrutiny, particularly after remarks in a radio interview that were widely criticized. Additionally, there have been reports of significant campaign donors considering suspending donations and Democrat lawmakers calling for his withdrawal. Biden’s response during the interview was seen as neither a significant stumble nor a decisive rebuttal of his critics’ concerns. 

Reports also surfaced suggesting a team of insiders might be preparing Vice President Kamala Harris to assume a more prominent role. However, Biden remained steadfast in his decision to continue his campaign efforts. A discussion among key Democrat senators about Biden potentially stepping aside is reportedly on the horizon, but Biden indicated he has no intention of resigning from the race.



Biden fights to salvage campaign with high-stakes interview

Mr. President, thank you for doing this. It was among the most anticipated interviews in memory for a sitting U.S. president, in an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. At issue, the only issue for countless Americans, can Joe Biden demonstrate he's capable of doing his job and that he's mentally fit to be re-elected for another four years? But it seemed like you were having trouble from the first question in, even before he spoke. Well, I just had a bad night. Are you the same man today that you were when you took office three and a half years ago? In terms of successes, yes. Do you dispute that there have been more lapses, especially in the last several months? Can I run the 110 flat? No. But I'm still in good shape. Are you more frail? No. And on it went. Earlier. As if to underline, the age thing now follows U.S. President Joe Biden wherever he goes, walking on stage in Wisconsin with a pro-Biden crowd and one of those cheering him on pulls out a handwritten sign. There it is. Pass the torch, Joe. The placard with its blunt message waved right at him. A lot of discussion about my age. I know I look 40. Biden is in crisis mode. His campaign for re-election, seen by so many as in shambles. Ever since that debate last week with former President Donald Trump, in which, at times, Biden seemed to full-on lose his train of thought. Everything we have to do with, look. More stumbles have followed in the days since. In a radio interview, he seemed to say he's, quote, proud to be the first Black woman to serve with a Black president. And he reportedly told Democrat governors this week he needs more sleep and shouldn't schedule events past 8 p.m. This as multiple Democrat lawmakers now publicly call for Biden to depart and as multiple major campaign donors threaten to suspend donations until he quits. With Donald Trump's lead in some polls for the White House now widening, pressure for Biden to bow out grows. Even as he stood alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at 4th of July celebrations, there were reports a team of insiders is readying a plan for her to take over. But, in Wisconsin, defiance. Let me say this as clearly as I can. I'm staying in the race. And Paul, any early consensus on how the interview tonight went for Biden? Well, the early consensus seems to be probably not, though Joe Biden himself might dispute that. I think it's fair to say Biden seems to believe in himself more than fellow Democrats now believe in him. And that he believes his past, that he beat Trump in 2020, is proof he can do it again. Biden didn't stumble in the interview the way he has recently. But, again, I think it's fair to say neither did he grab the reins and rise to show evidence that he has the energy and acuity to calm all the naysayers. And, of course, all of this with a looming election. Democrats are framing as among the highest stakes ever. And with reports now that a key Democrat senator is gathering other senators for a heart-to-heart with Biden at the White House to tell him to step aside. One takeaway from Joe Biden with this interview is that he wants no part of that, Ian. Paul Hunter in Washington tonight.

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