Biden defends his debate performance, pledges to continue reelection campaign
In an exclusive recorded interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, President Joe Biden opened up about his abysmal debate performance describing it as a “bad episode.” Addressing concerns about his well-being, Biden clarified that there was no indication of any serious condition, attributing his symptoms to exhaustion and a severe cold. In the interview, Biden is now saying he was distracted (by Trump).
“It just had a bad night,” Biden said. “No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted. I was sick. I was feeling terrible. I just had a really bad cold.”
The president’s remarks come at a time when his health is under increased scrutiny. Critics and supporters alike have been closely watching Biden’s physical and mental stamina as he navigates the rigors of the presidency. Biden’s admission of feeling unwell, while transparent, may raise further questions about his ability to handle the pressures of the office.
Debating the debate
During the interview, Stephanopoulos probed further, asking Biden if he had watched his debate performance. Biden’s response was brief and straightforward: “I don’t think I did. No.”
This candid revelation adds another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding Biden’s health. The president has previously been open about his health challenges, including a history of aneurysms in the late 1980s. His transparency has been both praised for its honesty and criticized for potentially undermining public confidence in his leadership.
Despite this recent health scare, Biden’s team has been quick to reassure the public. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement affirming that the president remains in good health and continues to fulfill his duties effectively. “The president experienced a brief episode of illness but has since recovered and is back to his regular schedule,” Jean-Pierre said.
Exhausted and terrible
Biden’s admission of feeling “exhausted” and “terrible” confused his critics and supporters alike after taking a full week off in Camp David preparing for the debate. As the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, his health is a topic of national interest.
As Biden continues his presidency, the public’s focus on his health is unlikely to wane. Calls for Biden to drop out of next year’s race continue to grow louder as the President doubles down on his commitment to run for reelection.
For now, Biden remains resolute that he is fine, navigating both the challenges of governance and the scrutiny of his health and old age.