President Biden doubled down Friday on his refusal to leave the presidential race — saying “I’m the nominee” and that “I’m running and going to win again” — but at one point mistakenly spoke as if the election year was 2020 as fellow Democrats suggest that he drop out due to perceived senility.
“There’s been a lot of speculation: What’s Joe going to do?” the 81-year-old president said during a speech at a Madison, Wis., campaign rally. “Here’s my answer: I’m running and going to win again.”
“I’m the nominee of the Democratic Party. You voted for me to be your nominee. no one else,” Biden went on. “I will beat [Trump] again in 2020.”
Biden added: “Some folks don’t seem to care who you voted for. They are trying to push me out of the race. Let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m staying in the race.”
The president made the remarks as he seeks to prove he can remain a viable candidate in the aftermath of last Thursday’s debate against Trump — with the president privately acknowledging that he may indeed have to drop out if he’s unable to regain his political footing.
What to know about the fallout from President Biden’s debate performance:
Biden gave the passionate speech — read from teleprompters but delivered with vigor and clarity — shortly before sitting for his first TV interview since appearing dazed and confused at the CNN debate.
The president’s looming interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos will air at 8 p.m. Friday.
