Biden Defends Fitness, Rejects Calls to Drop Out of 2024 Race

President Biden held a press conference to address concerns about his mental and physical health, vowing to run for reelection in 2024. Despite growing calls from both parties to withdraw, Biden declared that he is determined to continue his presidency.

President Joe Biden held a roughly hour-long press conference on Thursday evening, his first solo press conference in over a year, to address growing concerns about his mental and physical fitness ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Despite bipartisan calls to drop out of the race, Biden declared his determination to run, citing his accomplishments and lack of evidence to suggest he is not up to the task.

The press conference was closely watched by voters and political observers, many of whom have expressed concerns about Biden's age and mental acuity. The president's performance was scrutinized for signs of cognitive decline, but he appeared relatively composed and articulate, despite a few minor gaffes.

Biden Defends Fitness, Rejects Calls to Drop Out of 2024 Race

Biden acknowledged the concerns surrounding his health, but he asserted that he has the stamina and mental capacity to continue serving as president. He pointed to his accomplishments in office, including the passage of major legislation and the creation of jobs, as evidence that he is capable of fulfilling the demands of the presidency.

"I wouldn't be running if I didn't think I could do the job," Biden told reporters. "My determination to run is because I believe I can do it. I believe I can get the job done."

Biden Defends Fitness, Rejects Calls to Drop Out of 2024 Race

Biden's press conference was part of a broader effort by the White House to quell concerns about his fitness. In recent weeks, Biden has ramped up his public appearances and activities, including a meeting with NATO leaders in Washington, D.C.

Despite Biden's determination to run, there are growing calls from both Democrats and Republicans for him to withdraw. Some Democrats have openly suggested that Biden should not seek reelection, citing concerns about his age and mental health.

Biden Defends Fitness, Rejects Calls to Drop Out of 2024 Race

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said that Biden's "time in the Oval Office must come to an end." Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) announced that they would not attend a Biden campaign event, fueling speculation that they are distancing themselves from the president.

Republicans have been more vocal in their opposition to Biden's candidacy. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden's mental fitness, calling him "senile" and "unfit to serve." Other prominent Republicans have echoed these sentiments.

Despite the calls for him to withdraw, Biden has dismissed such suggestions, vowing to remain in the race. He has argued that his experience and accomplishments make him the best candidate to lead the country.

"I'm going to run. I'm going to win," Biden declared. "I believe I'm the best person to lead the country."

Biden's decision to run for reelection sets up a potentially high-stakes contest in 2024. If he wins, he would become the first president in history to serve two terms after turning 80 years old. However, if he loses, it could mark the end of a long and storied political career.