President Joe Biden again acknowledged Tuesday that he didn’t have the “best debate night” in his matchup against presumptive Republican challenger Donald Trump, but said he felt “good about what’s happening” with his campaign.
The president made the remarks at a fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, amid growing concern among leading Democrats about his reelection bid. The White House has attempted damage control over the past week, trying to allay voters’ fears about Biden’s age.
He said Tuesday that his schedule before the debate “wasn’t very smart,” noting that he had traveled around the world “several times” before.
“I decided to go around the world several times, crossing I don’t know how many time zones,” Biden said. “I think there were actually 15 time zones… I didn’t listen to my team.”
“And then I almost fell asleep on stage,” he added.
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The president later apologized to donors for his performance but said it was “critical” that Democrats win the election, and said his remarks were “not an excuse, but an explanation.” He said his re-election campaign has raised $38 million since his debate appearance.
Biden made two international trips in the weeks leading up to the debate, including a visit to France and another to the G7 summit in Italy.
It’s unclear what effect his efforts will have on the party as it heads into its nominating convention in August. Many Biden allies, including former President Barack Obama and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), have come to his defense, while others have begun to distance themselves. Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett (Texas) called on Biden to drop his candidacy, the first member of the party in Congress to do so.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also said it was understandable to ask questions about the president’s fitness.
