Biden's silence fuels speculation on candidacy after medal ceremony

President Joe Biden attended the Medal of Honor award ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, July 3. Reporters had numerous questions about whether he would withdraw from the presidential race. However, Biden did not respond—after the ceremony, he walked straight ahead without pausing for the press representatives.

The 81-year-old Biden faces increasing pressure to withdraw from the presidential race following a poor performance during the first debate with Donald Trump at the end of June. Biden struggled to speak and complete sentences, fueling concerns that at 81 years old, he might no longer be fit for office.

On Wednesday, "The New York Times" reported that Biden admitted to a close associate that he realizes "he may not be able to salvage his candidacy." According to the newspaper, everything will depend on how the president performs in a series of interviews, meetings with voters, and press conferences planned for July. The White House later denied these reports.

Also on Wednesday, Biden awarded the Medal of Honor at the White House. It was posthumously awarded to two soldiers who fought in the Civil War. Many journalists were watching the ceremony closely, following Biden's every move. They had a barrage of questions for the president, but he did not answer them.

After delivering a 10-minute speech, the president quickly headed for the exit, not stopping even for a moment with the press representatives.

Later that same day, Biden assured his campaign staff that despite growing calls for his resignation, he is still running for the presidency.

I'm the Democratic Party’s nominee. No one is pushing me out. I'm not leaving. I'm in this race to the end, and WE are going to win this election, said Joe Biden.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also spoke up. In a conversation with reporters, she emphasized that Biden does not intend to resign.

She further explained that the President is still unwell but has not yet seen a doctor. She attributed his poor performance in the debate to "jet lag" caused by two foreign trips Biden made 12 days before the discussion.