President Biden Confronts Questions on Age and Fitness in First Interview Post 27 June Debate

In a candid interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, President Joe Biden acknowledged last week’s debate as a “bad episode” but firmly pushed back against broader questions about his age and mental fitness.

The interview, Biden’s first television appearance since the June 27 debate, aimed to address concerns raised by his performance and his capacity to serve a potential second term.

President Biden Addressing Debate Performance

Stephanopoulos, during the 22-minute conversation, pressed Biden on his debate performance against former President Donald Trump and reports of increasing lapses in recent months.

Biden took responsibility for his stumbles, attributing them to illness and exhaustion.

“It’s a bad episode. No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted,” Biden explained. “I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing, and it was a bad night.”

Reassurance on Fitness and Capacity

Biden strongly defended his physical and mental abilities, responding to Stephanopoulos’ direct question about his fitness: “Are you the same man today that you were when you took office three-and-a-half years ago?”

“In terms of successes, yes,” Biden replied, listing his achievements, including a peace plan for the Middle East, NATO expansion, and economic growth. “All the individual things that were done were ideas I had or I fulfilled. I moved on.”

When asked about his ability to serve another term, Biden said, “I believe so. I wouldn’t be runnin’ if I didn’t think I did. Look, I’m runnin’ again because I think I understand best what has to be done to take this nation to a completely new level.”

Avoiding Cognitive Test Commitment

Despite repeated questions from Stephanopoulos, Biden declined to commit to taking an independent medical evaluation, including cognitive tests, and sharing the results with the public. He argued that his daily responsibilities as president effectively serve as ongoing tests of his abilities.

“I get a full neurological test every day,” Biden said. When pressed on whether he has had a specific cognitive test, he responded, “No, no one said I had to.”

Poll Numbers and Reelection Campaign

Biden also dismissed concerns about recent polls showing him trailing Trump in both the general election and specific swing states. He pointed to the 2022 midterms, where a predicted red wave did not materialize, though he misstated the year.

“Remember 2024 — 2020, the red wave was coming,” Biden said. “Before the vote, I said, ‘That’s not gonna happen. We’re gonna win.’ We did better in an off-year than almost any incumbent president ever has done.”

Democratic Concerns and Potential Successors

The interview comes at a crucial time in the general election cycle, with some Democrats calling on Biden to drop out of the 2024 race and speculation about potential replacements. While Biden reiterated his commitment to the race, some Democratic leaders expressed doubts about the interview’s effectiveness.

“It made me sad. Completely out of touch with reality and insulated from truth,” said one House Democrat who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “I’ll be breaking my silence soon.”

A growing number of Democrats are calling for Biden to drop out.

Shortly before the interview aired, Rep Mike Quigley called for Biden to step aside. Reps. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., and Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, previously said Biden should not pursue another term.

Some of Biden’s closest allies, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have called on the 81-year-old president to prove that he’s up to taking on a second term in the White House by holding more events and showing him unscripted rather than reading from a teleprompter most of the time.

Looking Forward

Biden’s sit-down with Stephanopoulos was part of a broader effort by the White House and his campaign to recalibrate after the debate. Biden emphasized his belief in his capabilities and the importance of his character in leading the nation.

“It’s about the character of the president. The character of the president’s gonna determine whether or not this Constitution is employed the right way,” Biden said.

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