Joe Biden claims that only God can make him withdraw from the US presidential race. But the pressure on the 81-year-old incumbent is earthly.
In a widely watched television interview, US President Joe Biden rejected any doubts about his suitability as a presidential candidate and reacted uncomprehendingly to increasing criticism. “I don’t think anyone is more qualified to be president or to win this race than I am,” he said in a 20-minute conversation with ABC News. Only God could persuade him to withdraw. Meanwhile, other Democratic representatives opposed the incumbent’s candidacy again.
With the interview, the 81-year-old, already the oldest US president in history, actually wanted to limit the damage. According to initial assessments by experts, however, the conversation did not help to dispel doubts about him within his party. Biden’s appearance did not seem as if he understood the seriousness of the situation. Rather, he questioned the credibility of polls that showed him losing further support in recent days. “I don’t buy that,” he said. His advisers would tell him otherwise.
Biden opposes cognitive ability test
A week ago, Biden had a disastrous performance in the first televised debate with his Republican challenger Donald Trump before the election in November, making several mistakes and losing the thread. After the appearance, a debate broke out in the USA about whether Biden is the right Democratic presidential candidate to successfully keep Trump out of the White House.
Biden also refused to undergo a medical test of his mental fitness after several inquiries from journalist George Stephanopoulos. “I take a cognitive test every day. (…) You know, I’m not just campaigning, I’m running the world,” Biden stressed. That may sound exaggerated, but the USA is the most important nation in the world. Stephanopoulos had previously asked Biden whether he would be willing to undergo an independent medical examination, which would also include neurological and cognitive tests – and whether he would have the results published.
Trump had taken such a test during his time in office. He had been confronted with doubts about his mental capacity because of his erratic political style. The Republican decided to have his mental abilities checked – and took a test such as that used for early detection of suspected dementia and Alzheimer’s. According to his doctor, Trump passed with 30 out of 30 points.
“Only the Almighty” can make Biden withdraw
Biden’s advanced age and mental state are the main campaign issues in the USA. The president had to put up with various questions about this in the interview, but there was no political content at all. Stephanopoulos did not deviate from the topic, while Biden tried to focus on the successes of his time in office. According to ABC, the interview was broadcast unedited. Biden did not have any major lapses or blunders, but sometimes searched for words.
Stephanopoulos also asked Biden what could make him drop out of the race. Biden pointed to God and replied: “If the Almighty comes and says, ‘Joe, drop out of the race,’ then I’ll drop out of the race. But the Almighty is not going to come,” said the devout Catholic.
Biden refused to elaborate on what would happen if confidants warned him that his behavior would also have a negative impact on the majorities in the US Congress. “I’m not going to answer that question. That’s not going to happen,” Biden replied. Everyone would tell him to stay in the race.
In the November election, not only the presidency but also many seats in parliament will be reallocated. There is growing fear among Democrats that the Republicans could gain control of both the White House and Congress in the future.
MP: Prevent total catastrophe
Shortly before the interview was broadcast, another Democratic congressman openly called on Biden to withdraw. Only if Biden drops out of the race can a “total catastrophe” be prevented, warned Mike Quigley. Senator Mark Warner is reportedly trying to rally a group of Democrats behind him to convince Biden to drop out of the race. When asked about Warner, Biden said: “He’s a good man (…). I respect him.”
The Democrat is currently fighting on all fronts to save his presidential candidacy. He is also counting on numerous campaign events. At an event in the US state of Wisconsin, he said: “I’m staying in the race. I will beat Donald Trump.” On Sunday, he plans to campaign in Pennsylvania. In the meantime, official business also demands his attention, especially since the NATO summit is taking place in the US capital Washington next week.
Biden has actually already secured his party’s presidential nomination – he will officially be chosen at the Democratic Party Convention, which will take place in Chicago from August 19 to 22. The US President collected the necessary delegate votes for this in the primaries. He had no significant competition in the primary campaign. Should he now voluntarily throw in the towel or be forced to give up, the Democrats would have to quickly agree on a replacement in view of the approaching election.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
