Biden dismisses concerns about mental fitness, says he’d drop out if the ‘Lord Almighty’ told him

President Joe Biden, in an unique interview with ABC Information anchor George Stephanopoulos, acknowledged final week’s debate was a “dangerous episode” however pushed again strongly in opposition to broader questions on his age and psychological health.

Stephanopoulos, over the course of twenty-two minutes, pressed Biden repeatedly not solely on his debate efficiency in opposition to Donald Trump but in addition on stories that his lapses have turn into more and more widespread these previous few months — and on what he could be prepared to do to reassure the American individuals.

“Are you an identical man right this moment that you simply have been whenever you took workplace three-and-a-half years in the past?” Stephanopoulos requested.

“By way of successes, sure,” Biden responded. “I additionally was the man who put collectively a peace plan for the Center East that could be comin’ to fruition. I used to be additionally the man that expanded NATO. I used to be additionally the man that grew the economic system. All the person issues that have been achieved have been concepts I had or I fulfilled. I moved on.”

“Do you dispute that there have been extra lapses, particularly within the final a number of months?” Stephanopoulos requested.

“Can I run the 100 in 10 flat? No. However I am nonetheless in good condition,” Biden mentioned.

Stephanopoulos adopted up, asking, “Are you extra frail?”

“No,” Biden mentioned, flatly.

Biden’s sit-down with ABC Information is his first tv interview for the reason that June 27 debate. ABC Information reached out to Trump to supply him an equal interview alternative, however his crew declined.

The interview is a part of a push from the White Home and the marketing campaign to recalibrate after Biden’s halting debate efficiency left some Democrats panicked about his skill to hold out a grueling reelection marketing campaign and a second time period.

Looking forward to a attainable second time period, Stephanopoulos mentioned the query on the minds of many People is whether or not Biden would be capable to serve successfully. If reelected, Biden could be 86 on the finish of a second time period.

“Do you have got the psychological and bodily capability to do it for one more 4 years?” Stephanopoulos requested.

“I imagine so. I would not be runnin’ if I did not assume I did,” Biden mentioned. “Look, I am runnin’ once more as a result of I feel I perceive greatest what must be achieved to take this nation to a totally new new degree. We’re on our means. We’re on our means. And, look. The choice not too long ago made by the Supreme Court docket on immunity, you already know, the subsequent President of america, it isn’t nearly whether or not she or he is aware of what they’re doin’.

“It is– it’s– it is not– not a few con– a conglomerate of individuals making selections,” Biden continued. “It is in regards to the character of the president. The character of the president’s gonna decide whether or not or not this Structure is employed the suitable means.”

Stephanopoulos then pressed him, asking if in on a private degree, Biden was being sincere with himself about his psychological and bodily skill to steer for 4 extra years.

“Sure, I’m, as a result of, George, the very last thing I wish to do shouldn’t be be capable to meet that,” Biden mentioned. “I feel, as a few of senior economists and senior international coverage specialists say, if I cease now, I am going down in historical past as a fairly profitable president. Nobody thought I might get achieved what we obtained achieved.”

Biden declined to comply with have an unbiased medical analysis that included cognitive checks and share the outcomes with the general public.

Biden additionally repeatedly dismissed latest ballot numbers that present him behind Trump each within the common election and in particular swing states, in addition to considerations voiced by some Democrats that staying within the race shouldn’t be within the curiosity of the get together or the nation.

“When you could be satisfied that you simply can not defeat Donald Trump, will you stand down?” Stephanopoulos requested.

“It is determined by — on if the Lord Almighty comes down and tells me that, I’d try this,” Biden mentioned.