US President Joe Biden has defiantly rejected calls to drop out of the race for the White House with his Republican opponent Donald Trump, which is a challenge for his fellow Democrats, who fear that his age will turn away voters, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
"I will run and I will win again," Biden, 81, said in a fiery speech in Madison, Wis., yesterday. He then taped an interview with ABC News in which he claimed he was the best Democratic candidate to prevent Trump from retaking the White House in the Nov. 5 election, and that only "God Almighty" can convince him otherwise.
Biden is facing opposition within his own party to drop out of the race after his shaky performance in the June 27 debate against Trump, which featured donors, lawmakers, some Democratic Party officials and strategists. The events of yesterday did not seem to contribute to reducing the concerns of some Democrats, notes Reuters.
In the coming days, party members can decide whether to support the president or take swift action to remove him from the race.
Today, Vice President Kamala Harris will speak in New Orleans at the annual cultural and music festival sponsored by Essence magazine, which caters to black women. Harris has emerged as the top choice to replace Biden if he withdraws from the race.
On Friday, Harris posted support on the social network "X" after Biden's rally in Madison, saying the president has dedicated his life to fighting for Americans. "At this point, I know we are all ready to fight for him," she said.
Some polls show Trump's lead over Biden widening, and Democrats worry that concerns about the president could sway the election.