Biden's ABC interview fallout: Questions over 2024 re‑election persist

An interview with U.S. President Joe Biden on ABC television embarrassed and annoyed his voters. The president's words dashed hopes that his candidacy could be replaced before the November presidential election. Biden assured viewers he felt tremendous and intended to win against Donald Trump.

Joe Biden gave his first interview after what was described as a poor performance in a debate with his opponent. He had already tried to explain why he performed so poorly during this critical confrontation with Trump.

Biden, who lost his train of thought, stumbled, and could not speak constructively, alarmed Democratic supporters. In comparison, the former president performed considerably better despite his arrogance and combative behavior.

Following this confusing encounter, attempts began within the president's circle to replace Biden, who seemed in poorer condition, with another candidate. Meanwhile, the American president dismissed these calls, saying he does not intend to withdraw from re-election.

The conversation with George Stephanopoulos on ABC television was supposed to salvage Biden's image. The president assured that he is physically and mentally fit. He explained that he had—for an unknown reason—a lousy evening before the debate. He also mentioned feeling slightly under the weather, but comprehensive medical test results he undergoes regularly, which are made public every year, are good.

He also firmly stated that he does not intend to withdraw from the elections. "If the Lord Almighty came down and said, 'Joe, get out of the race,' I’d get out of the race. But the Lord Almighty is not coming down," said the president. He believes that polls indicating Trump's lead are unreliable.

The interview caused concern among Democrats. Instead of calming his supporters, it caused embarrassment. Although the president looked and behaved significantly better and had more energy, it did not alleviate the concerns.

Many Americans wonder why Biden's team is not honest with him and does not explain the dire situation. Trump's victory at this stage seems more than confident.

The president’s allies believe that Joe Biden may not be aware of the gravity of the situation. "What we need right now – and what I think takes a spine – is to step aside and recognize the president of the United States doesn’t have the vigor necessary to overcome the deficit here, and it’s going to affect us all," said Congressman Mike Quigley in an interview with CNN.

"It hard to imagine this good man beating Trump and serving four more years in the most demanding job on earth," wrote Ron Fournier, a senior advisor at the communication agency Truscott Rossman and former White House correspondent, on platform X.

Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett commented on the ABC interview in an interview with CNN. He said that "Every day he (Biden) delays makes it more difficult for a new person to come on board to defeat Donald Trump."

Dana Milbank, a commentator for the Washington Post, noted Biden's astonishing stubbornness. She was surprised that the president did not watch the recording of the debate. "It's hard to see how he wins. If he and his family and advisers decided that withdrawing as the nominee would be his highest service to the country, I would applaud that decision," wrote Milbank.

Similarly, New York Times commentator Peter Baker wrote that the president's ABC interview was an "exercise in not just damage control but reality control." "The president’s self-confidence leaves him increasingly isolated in his own party," assessed Baker.

He also added that Biden is now beginning a weekend during which his party will decide what to do. Democrats will pressure the president to withdraw from the race or reconsider his approach.