Joe Biden has said he is “not blind” to concerns about his age but has told critics it is “time to end” speculation about his future in the US presidential race.
In a letter to Democrats in Congress, the US president said he was “firmly committed” to his re-election campaign and vowed to remain in the contest against Donald Trump.
“I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this
race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump,” Biden wrote.
There have been concerns about the health and capability of the 81-year-old president after a shaky performance in a debate with Trump last month.
Democrats described Mr Biden’s performance as an “unmitigated disaster”, “a meltdown”, and “a slow-motion car crash”.
Even some of Mr Biden’s closest political allies, including the former speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, have raised questions about his health.
In his letter today, Mr Biden writes that he has had “extensive conversations” with the leadership of the Democrat party and “most importantly, Democratic voters” over the past 10 days.
He continues: “I have heard the concerns that people have – their good faith fears and worries about what is at stake in this election.
“I am not blind to them.”
In relation to the concerns raised about his health and suitability to run, Mr Biden adds: “I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
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