As President Joe Biden boarded Air Force One on Friday, a reporter yelled out, asking if he thought he could still beat former President Donald Trump. Biden responded with a one-word answer: “Yes.”
Biden has been under increasing scrutiny following his verbal stumbles during last Thursday’s debate. Recent polls indicate that 72% of Americans question his “mental and cognitive health to be president.” On Tuesday, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) became the first sitting Democrat in Congress to publicly call for Biden to withdraw from the race. The week brought more tough headlines, with rumors of internal discontent among Democrats and anxiety within his campaign staff.
Despite the challenges, Biden remains committed to staying in the race. He is scheduled for an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, airing Friday evening. His campaign also announced a new “aggressive travel schedule” for July, including a $50 million “paid media blitz” and unscripted interactions with voters.
Biden was seen boarding Air Force One, heading to Madison, Wisconsin, for a campaign rally on Friday afternoon. As he approached the plane, a reporter called out, “Mr. President, is it time for you to drop out of the race?” Biden ignored the question, but when asked, “Can you still beat Trump?” he confidently replied, “Yes,” before continuing up the stairs to the plane.
