President Joe Biden, 81, has dismissed calls to end his re-election campaign despite concerns about his age and recent debate performance.
After a stumbling debate against Donald Trump, three Democrats and several lawmakers expressed doubts about his fitness for a second term. Biden reaffirmed his commitment during an Independence Day event, stating, “I’m not going anywhere.”
In a radio interview, he acknowledged his poor debate performance but highlighted his achievements over the past 3.5 years.
Despite concerns, Biden retains significant support within his party. Democratic governors recently expressed their backing after a meeting at the White House. However, dissent is growing, with Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton and donor Abigail Disney calling for him to step aside.
Recent polls show nearly three-quarters of voters think Biden is too old for a second term, and he is trailing Trump by 8 points. If Biden were to withdraw, Vice President Kamala Harris is a likely successor, though she, too, trails Trump in polls.
Other potential replacements include Governors Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Josh Shapiro.