Biden says his ‘mental acuity has been pretty damn good’ in defending his decision to stay in the race

Biden sat for an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt that was scheduled as he sought to push back calls for him to exit the race.

Jul. 15, 2024, 6:03 PM EDT / Updated Jul. 15, 2024, 9:36 PM EDT
WASHINGTON — After having tempered attacks on Donald Trump following Saturday’s assassination attempt, President Joe Biden plunged back into campaign mode Monday, defending his decision to remain in the presidential race despite calls for him to exit.
In an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden at times grew combative and said he isn’t leaving the race even though some Democratic leaders have expressed fears that he can’t win.
“I’m old,” Biden said. “But I’m only three years older than Trump, No. 1. And No. 2, my mental acuity’s been pretty damn good. I’ve gotten more done than any president has in a long, long time in 3½ years. So I’m willing to be judged on that.”
“I understand. I understand why people say, ‘God, he’s 81 years old. Whoa. What’s he gonna be when he’s 83 years old, or 84 years?’ It’s a legitimate question to ask.”
The interview is the latest in a series of events, rallies and Q&As Biden has done since his dismal performance during his debate with Trump on June 27. Alarmed by his halting delivery, some Democratic lawmakers have questioned whether he has the vigor to carry the fight against Trump.
Biden made it plain that he won’t yield.
Democratic voters picked him to head the ticket during the primary season, he said.
“I listen to them,” he said.
Holt asked Biden whom he consults when it comes to issues like remaining in the race or dropping out.
“Me,” Biden said. “I’ve been doing this a long time.”
What’s more, Biden said, he’s not losing.
“Look — we knew this — this was going to be a close race from the moment he announced,” Biden said.
“The polling data shows a lot of different things, but there’s no wide gap between us. It’s essentially a toss-up race,” he said.