"I'm going to win again," Biden tells doubters ahead of ABC interview
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President Biden speaking on July 5 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
President Biden said on Friday he will remain in the 2024 presidential race as he faces growing calls to bow out after his poor debate performance against former President Trump last week ignited alarm within the Democratic party and White House.
Why it matters: Since the debate, Biden and his senior aides have attempted to reassure voters, major donors and fellow Democrats that he can and should continue his campaign.
What they're saying: Speaking at a campaign rally in Madison, Wisconsin, Biden again said he would not be forced out as the presumed Democratic presidential nominee.
- "Now, you probably heard we had a little debate last week," Biden said. "Can't say it was my best performance. But ever since then, there's been a lot of speculation," he said.
- "What's Joe going to do? Is he going to stay in the race? Is he going to drop out, what's he going to do? Well, here's my answer: I am going to run and I'm going to win again."
Zoom out: He reiterated that sentiment on social media, saying in a post: "Let me say this as clearly as I can. I'm the sitting President of the United States. I'm the nominee of the Democratic party. I'm staying in the race."
- On his way to the Madison rally, Biden's motorcade encountered some people carrying signs asking him to drop, with one reading, "Save your legacy drop out," according to pool reports.
- The president's comments Friday came hours before ABC News was set to air Biden's first television interview since the debate.
The big picture: Polling after last week's debate suggests that a sizable number of voters believe Biden should be replaced as the leading Democratic candidate.
- Biden's polling against Trump also slightly slipped in the latest New York Times/Siena College poll released Wednesday.
- Another CNN poll after the debate had Vice President Kamala Harris at a statistical tie with Trump and performing better with women and independents than Biden.
Go deeper ... Behind the Curtain: Kamala Harris' epic edge
