President Joe Biden, Is hoping that a televised interview later today, will steady his imperilled re-election bid- but a repeat of his disastrous debate performance could be his downfall.
For 90 minutes last Thursday, a raspy Biden struggled to express himself clearly, stumbling over words and losing his train of thought.
A growing chorus in party has since called for him to prove, he has the energy to defeat Trump in November, and handle another four years in the White House.
Despite winning the backing of Democratic governors, who met with him at an emergency meeting, at least three of his party members in Congress have called on him to step aside, as have several major newspaper editorial boards and a raft of political commentators.
The president has said that he is " not leaving " and is"in this race to the end," but post-debate polls have shown Trump's narrow lead widening.
Biden has not spoken publicly without a teleprompter, since the debate, other than some brief remarks.
Friday's interview with ABC presenter, George Stephanopoulos, set to be recorded during a campaign trip to Wisconsin, will be a key moment for Biden to dispel the worries and reset expectations.
Biden will face a journalist who knows the workings of political communication like no one else.
Biden, a former stutterer, will also have to win back confidence with clear and cohesive speech, as much as on substance.
Former House Speaker,Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democratic voices, has deemed it "essential " that the president do one or even two high-profile interviews.
Trump has meanwhile dared Biden to another debate, or an "all-on discussion," saying that he is ready"any time, anywhere, any place,"