US President Joe Biden sought to speak loud and passionately in brief public remarks delivered at the White House, as he faces close scrutiny over his stamina and mental acuity after a poor debate performance. Biden has repeatedly said he will not step down from the US presidential race, despite growing calls for him to do so, following the first debate against former President Donald Trump, who Biden defeated in 2020.
Biden faces a new reality since last week’s debate — even if he doesn’t falter verbally or physically, serious concerns about his viability as a candidate are likely to linger. If he mangles words or looks unfocused or confused, he will face renewed pressure to depart. If re-elected, Biden would be 86 at the end of a second term. He is being asked by some former supporters to step aside to preserve his legacy and lessen the chances of a second Trump presidency.