US President Joe Biden admitted on Friday that he felt sick and exhausted during his first presidential debate with Republican rival Donald Trump. Speaking in a television interview, Biden, 81, insisted that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him drop out of the race for the November 5 election. The statement comes a week after his poor debate performance in Atlanta on June 27, which led to a drop in his approval rating. Multiple reports suggested that some party leaders also urged him to step down.
Biden addresses health concerns
In his interview with ABC News, Biden attributed his poor performance to feeling unwell. “It was a bad episode. No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted,” he said, adding that he hadn’t listened to his instincts regarding preparation. Biden revealed that doctors had conducted tests to rule out COVID-19 and other infections, concluding that he simply had a severe cold.
Despite the criticism, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to seeking a second term, accusing Trump of being a “pathological liar.” He emphasized that none of the major Democratic leaders had asked him to withdraw and reiterated his determination to stay in the race. “If the Lord Almighty came down and said ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down,” he stated.
Questions on Biden’s fitness
When asked about his mental fitness and whether he had experienced more lapses recently, Biden responded, “Can I run the 100 in 10 flat? No. But I’m still in good shape.” He also claimed to undergo cognitive tests daily, stating, “Not only am I campaigning, I’m running the world… That sounds like hyperbole, but we are the central nation in the world.” Biden said that he undergoes cognitive tests almost everyday.
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna had called for “complete transparency” from the White House regarding Biden’s health, urging the president to answer “many legitimate questions” from the media and voters. Khanna emphasized that earning the public’s trust would require more than just one interview.
ABC News noted that it had offered a similar one-on-one interview to Trump, but he declined.