President Joe Biden of United States has responded to concerns about his age and reaffirmed his commitment to the 2024 presidential race. In a letter to Democrats in Congress, Biden addressed speculation regarding his future, declaring it is “time to end” such discussions.
“I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump,” Biden wrote.
Simultaneously, Biden called into MSNBC’s Morning Joe program, expressing confidence that the “average voter out there” still supports him on the Democrat ticket. “I am not going anywhere,” he stated, adding that losing is “not an option” and that he hasn’t “lost to Trump.”
Concerns about the 81-year-old president’s health and capability arose after a shaky performance in a recent debate with Trump. Democrats described Biden’s performance as an “unmitigated disaster,” with even some of his closest allies, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, raising questions about his health. During the debate, Biden stumbled over his words and appeared hesitant, leading to widespread criticism.
Biden acknowledged the frustration stemming from calls within his party for him to step aside but dismissed the concerns. “They’re big names, but I don’t care what those big names think,” Biden said, challenging those who doubt him to “challenge me at the convention.”
In his letter, Biden emphasized his extensive conversations with Democratic leadership and voters over the past ten days, acknowledging their concerns. “I am not blind to them,” he wrote, asserting his belief that he is the best person to beat Trump in 2024. He cited his record as president and the party’s economic vision as key factors that will secure his re-election.
Biden concluded his letter by urging the Democratic Party to unite and focus on defeating Trump. “We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump… any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us,” he wrote.
The letter follows Biden’s recent declaration at a Wisconsin rally that he is “staying in the race,” despite reports of efforts by Democratic Senator Mark Warner and others to convince him to step aside.
