Biden Blames Trump's "Shouting" for Debate Debacle

President Biden attributed his poor performance in the recent debate to former President Trump's constant interruptions, while dismissing concerns about his re-election bid and mental fitness.

President Joe Biden has publicly blamed former President Donald Trump's "shouting" for his disappointing performance in their recent debate. In an unedited interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, Biden acknowledged that he had a "bad night" but suggested that Trump's disruptions had distracted him.

"I was having a bad night when I realized that even when I was answering a question, even when they turned his mic off, he was still shouting, and I … I let it distract me. I'm not blaming it on that. But I realized that I just wasn't in control," Biden said.

Biden Blames Trump's "Shouting" for Debate Debacle

The interview, which aired Friday, was Biden's first televised sit-down since his debate against Trump last week. Stephanopoulos pressed Biden on his re-election prospects amidst lagging poll numbers, but the president repeatedly refused to reconsider his bid.

"I have a cognitive test every single day. Every day I have a test. Everything I do," Biden said. "You know, not only am I campaigning, I'm running the world. And that's not — it sounds like hyperbole. But we are the essential nation in the world."

Biden Blames Trump's "Shouting" for Debate Debacle

Biden also dismissed concerns about his mental fitness for office, stating that he would not be running if he did not believe he had the necessary capabilities. However, he remained evasive when asked about taking a cognitive test and making those results public.

"Look, I have a cognitive test every single day. Every day I have a test. Everything I do," Biden said. "You know, not only am I campaigning, I'm running the world. And that's not — it sounds like hyperbole. But we are the essential nation in the world."

Biden Blames Trump's "Shouting" for Debate Debacle

Biden's allies and critics alike have been closely monitoring his performance in the wake of the CNN debate, which raised concerns about his viability as a candidate. Democratic strategist Julian Epstein expressed concern after the ABC interview aired.

"The president looks frail. He looks foggy. He looks weak. He looks like he is using every last ounce of energy that he may have to sort of barely get through," Epstein said.

Biden Blames Trump's "Shouting" for Debate Debacle

While Biden acknowledged his responsibility for his poor debate performance, he also suggested that some fault lay with Trump.

"I was having a bad night when I realized that even when I was answering a question, even when they turned his mic off, he was still shouting, and I … I let it distract me. I'm not blaming it on that. But I realized that I just wasn't in control," Biden said.

Biden's interview comes amid growing pressure from within his own party for him to step aside. However, the president has remained defiant, stating that he will only withdraw from the race if "the Lord Almighty" tells him to do so.

"Look, I mean, if the Lord Almighty came out and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,' I'll get out of the race. The Lord Almighty's not coming down," Biden said.

Former Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod has expressed concern about Biden's ability to connect with voters and his standing in the race.

"The president is rightfully proud of his record. But he is dangerously out-of-touch with the concerns people have about his capacities moving forward and his standing in this race," Axelrod wrote after the debate.