First lady Jill Biden is reportedly furious with Democrats calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following his disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump. According to ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz, Jill Biden has been “lashing out” at those suggesting her husband step down.
President Biden’s performance in the first presidential debate has led to increased pressure from within his own party to consider stepping aside. However, the president remains determined to continue his campaign, relying on a tight inner circle of advisers who insist he can still win. This circle includes his wife, who has been vocal in her support and frustration with detractors.
Raddatz explained, “Administration officials I have spoken to said that very tight inner circle is telling them he can win, that he needs to keep going. This, of course, includes his wife, Jill, who they said is lashing out at those who want him to get out of the race.”
The president’s age has been a significant factor in the ongoing debate. Raddatz noted, “No one can stop the clock. And this is about age. That’s exactly what that’s about. And this will dominate this campaign. Aging is not like a broken bone — it doesn’t get better.”
In an attempt to mitigate the fallout from the debate, President Biden appeared in a damage control interview with ABC News on Friday. He admitted to performing poorly, attributing it to being sick and exhausted but denied it indicated any serious cognitive issues. When asked about undergoing a neurological evaluation, Biden responded vaguely, “I get a full neurological test every day with me. And I’ve had a full physical. I had, you know, I mean, I, I’ve been at Walter Reed for my physicals. I mean – uhm yes, the answer.”
Biden also made it clear he has no intention of leaving the race unless divinely instructed. “Look. I mean, if the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get outta the race,’ I’d get outta the race. The Lord Almighty’s not comin’ down.”
When questioned about his ability to serve effectively for the next four years, Biden highlighted his past achievements, including expanding NATO and confronting Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also dismissed the low approval ratings reported by a New York Times/Siena College poll, which indicated a 36% approval rating among likely voters.
Stephanopoulos asked how Biden would feel if he stayed in the race and Trump was elected in November, to which Biden responded, “I feel as long as I gave it my all, and I did the goodest job that I know I can do – that’s what this is about.”
Jill Biden has also been vocal in defending her husband’s debate performance, telling Vogue earlier this week, “[We] will not let those 90 minutes define the four years [Joe’s] been president. We will continue to fight.”
As the 2024 presidential race continues, the Bidens remain resolute in their campaign despite growing calls from within the Democratic Party for a change in leadership.