Biden slams "elites," dares critics to challenge him at Democratic convention

What they're saying: "If any of these guys don't think I should run, run against me. Go ahead. Announce for president — challenge me at the convention," an animated Biden told his favorite cable news program.

• "It drives me nuts people are talking about this," Biden said Monday of the discourse following his debate performance.
• "The bottom line here is, we're not going anywhere. I'm not going anywhere," Biden said.

Zoom out: Biden's "Morning Joe" interview came just after he sent a letter to congressional Democrats telling them that it's time to "end" the pressure on him drop out.

• "I wouldn't be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024," Biden wrote in the letter to lawmakers.

Reality check: Biden is the presumptive nominee because he won a majority of delegates during the Democratic primary. If he doesn't release his delegates, it's exceedingly difficult to imagine how a challenger could defeat him.

Go deeper: Inside House Democrats' anti-Biden vent session

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional quotes from the interview and context.