NEW DELHI: For the first time, US President Joe Biden has indicated that he would consider withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race if a significant medical issue were to arise. In an interview with BET News, Biden stated that he would re-evaluate his decision to run if a doctor advised him of a health problem that could interfere with his ability to serve as president.
“If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if the doctors came and said ‘you’ve got this problem, that problem,'” Biden told the Black media outlet BET in the sit-down taped Tuesday, when asked what could make him rethink.
Biden’s comments come amid growing concerns within the Democratic Party about his age and health, particularly after his challenging debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump in late June. The 81-year-old Biden has faced mounting pressure from members of his own party to step down from the race, with some high-profile Democrats like Adam Schiff calling for him to end his re-election bid.
However, Biden has dismissed these health concerns, asserting that he remains fit and capable of executing the duties of the presidency.
In a previous interview with ABC News, Biden had said that only “the Lord Almighty” could make him quit the race.
The White House physician has also described Biden as a “healthy and vigorous 81-year-old individual”.
Despite the scrutiny, Biden has expressed his determination to continue his campaign, emphasizing his experience and ability to address the country’s pressing issues.
He has attributed his subpar debate performance to a cold and fatigue from extensive international travel, rather than any underlying medical condition.
“If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if the doctors came and said ‘you’ve got this problem, that problem,'” Biden told the Black media outlet BET in the sit-down taped Tuesday, when asked what could make him rethink.
Biden’s comments come amid growing concerns within the Democratic Party about his age and health, particularly after his challenging debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump in late June. The 81-year-old Biden has faced mounting pressure from members of his own party to step down from the race, with some high-profile Democrats like Adam Schiff calling for him to end his re-election bid.
However, Biden has dismissed these health concerns, asserting that he remains fit and capable of executing the duties of the presidency.
In a previous interview with ABC News, Biden had said that only “the Lord Almighty” could make him quit the race.
The White House physician has also described Biden as a “healthy and vigorous 81-year-old individual”.
Despite the scrutiny, Biden has expressed his determination to continue his campaign, emphasizing his experience and ability to address the country’s pressing issues.
He has attributed his subpar debate performance to a cold and fatigue from extensive international travel, rather than any underlying medical condition.