US President Joe Biden has firmly stated his intention to continue his re-election campaign and defeat Donald Trump. In a spirited speech on Friday in Madison, Wisconsin, Biden addressed doubts about his candidacy following a poor performance in last week's CNN debate.
"I am running and going to win again," Biden declared to a cheering crowd. At 81, Biden acknowledged the speculations about his future in the race. "Ever since the debate, there’s been a lot of speculation. What’s Joe going to do?” he said.
Biden's 17-minute speech, marked by more energy than his debate appearance, comes at a critical time for his campaign. With key donors and Democratic allies questioning his viability, Biden aimed to reassure his supporters in this crucial battleground state.
Reports indicate that the coming days are crucial for Biden's campaign. His team is keenly aware of the need to regain lost ground against his Republican rival, Donald Trump. After the Madison rally, Biden is scheduled for a rare sit-down interview on ABC News, which will be closely watched.
At the rally, Biden responded to concerns about his age and mental fitness. "I see all these stories that say I'm too old," he said, highlighting his accomplishments in office. "Was I too old to create 15 million jobs? Was I too old to erase student debt for five million Americans?"
Biden also criticized Trump, referring to his legal troubles. "Do you think I’m too old to beat Donald Trump?" he asked, receiving a resounding "no" from the crowd.
Despite pressure from some voters and donors to step aside, Biden's campaign is planning a vigorous comeback. His wife, Jill Biden, and Vice-President Kamala Harris are set to campaign across swing states this month. Biden will also speak at another rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday.
Admitting to mistakes in the debate, Biden blamed jet lag and a busy travel schedule. "I didn’t listen to my staff... and then I nearly fell asleep on stage,” he said. In a preview of his ABC interview, Biden cited exhaustion and a "bad cold" for his poor performance.
Senior Democrats have not yet called for Biden to quit, despite reports of concerns within the party. Some major Democratic donors have suggested he step down, but Biden remains confident in his re-election bid.
At the rally, many Biden supporters expressed their continued support. "I’m not worried about his health. I think he can go all the way to the election and beyond," said Susan Shotliff, a primary school teacher.
While some voters are concerned about Biden's capacity to beat Trump, others believe the focus should be on his achievements and the shortcomings of his opponent.
Biden's commitment to staying in the race is clear, and his campaign is gearing up for the challenges ahead.