Biden first Tv Interview since the debate, denies having a medical condition: 'It was a bad episode'

 President Biden Dismisses Concerns About His Health in First TV Interview Since Debate

WASHINGTON — In his first televised interview since the presidential debate, President Joe Biden on Friday defended his reelection campaign and dismissed suggestions that he should withdraw amid rising concerns among some Democrats regarding his mental and physical health.

The 22-minute interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos occurred as some lawmakers and influential Democrats have urged Biden to suspend his campaign and allow another candidate to become the official nominee.

Biden argued that such actions were unnecessary, attributing his performance during the June 27 debate to simply a “bad night.”

“It was a bad episode, no indication of any serious condition,” Biden explained. “I was exhausted. I didn’t follow my instincts in terms of preparation, and it led to a bad night.”

When asked about how he would respond if allies and friends in Congress advised him to leave the presidential race, Biden declined to engage.

“I’m not going to answer that question. It’s not going to happen,” Biden stated.

Concerns among members of Congress and Democratic governors have been growing since Biden struggled to respond to questions and appeared confused during the first presidential debate.

Biden downplayed Virginia Senator Mark Warner's plans to gather Democratic senators on Monday to discuss the future of his campaign, which was reported by multiple news outlets on Friday. Both chambers of Congress are set to reconvene in Washington next week.

“Mark is a good man,” Biden remarked, though he incorrectly claimed Warner “tried to get the nomination” for president — Warner had announced in 2006 that he would not run. “Mark and I have a different perspective. I respect him.”

"Biden declines to commit to cognitive exam"

**Biden Addresses Concerns About His Stamina and Age in TV Interview**

During the interview, Stephanopoulos questioned Biden about whether he truly has the mental and physical stamina to serve another four years as president and if he is being honest with himself about his age.

“I believe so,” Biden responded. “I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I did. I’m running again because I believe I have the best understanding of what needs to be done to elevate this nation to a new level.”

Biden repeatedly avoided committing to taking a cognitive exam, implying that his demanding schedule and daily workload are sufficient proof of his capability to serve as president.

“I have a cognitive test every single day. Everything I do is a test,” Biden stated. “Not only am I campaigning, but I’m also leading the world.”

Biden emphasized that with 125 days left in the campaign, people should observe his performance in the upcoming months to judge his suitability for reelection to the highest office in the government.

In Wisconsin, Biden Highlights Trump's Blunders**iden Highlights Character and Honesty in ABC News Interview

The ABC News interview aired just hours after Biden held a rally in Madison, Wisconsin, where he repeatedly criticized Republican presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Biden emphasized that the upcoming presidential election in November should focus on character, honesty, and decency.

“Let’s focus on what really matters: We’re running against the biggest liar and the biggest threat to our democracy in American history,” Biden said. “That’s not hyperbole.”

Biden aimed to shift attention from his debate performance to Trump's past blunders, including a Fourth of July speech in 2019 where Trump mistakenly claimed that securing airports was crucial during the Revolutionary War.

“He said George Washington’s army won the Revolution by taking control of the airports from the British,” Biden said, crossing himself humorously. “Talk about me misspeaking — airports from the British in 1776? It’s true, he is a stable genius.”

**Biden Criticizes Trump and Highlights His Own Achievements in Madison Rally**

In Wisconsin, Biden Highlights Trump's Gaffes

Just hours before his ABC News interview, Biden held a rally in Madison, Wisconsin, where he repeatedly criticized Republican presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Biden emphasized that this November’s presidential election should focus on character, honesty, and decency.

“Let’s focus on what really matters: We’re running against the biggest liar and the biggest threat to our democracy in American history,” Biden said. “That’s not hyperbole.”

Biden aimed to divert attention from his debate performance to Trump's past mistakes, including a Fourth of July speech in 2019 where Trump incorrectly claimed that securing airports was crucial during the Revolutionary War.

“He said George Washington’s army won the Revolution by taking control of the airports from the British,” Biden said, humorously crossing himself. “Talk about me misspeaking — airports from the British in 1776? It’s true, he is a stable genius.”

Trump later blamed the teleprompter for the error.

During the rally, Biden highlighted his achievements, such as canceling some student loan debt, nominating Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, signing a same-sex marriage bill, approving gun safety policies, and collaborating with Congress on a comprehensive climate change law.

“I’m not letting one 90-minute debate wipe out three-and-a-half years of work,” Biden stated.

Looking ahead, Biden noted that the next president will likely appoint at least two new justices to the Supreme Court over the next four years.

If Trump is re-elected, Biden warned, a recent ruling from the justices on presidential immunity could pose significant challenges for the country.

“For over two centuries, America’s been a free, democratic nation,” Biden said. “And I’ll be damned if in the year 2024 — just two years before our 250th anniversary as a nation — I’ll let Donald Trump take this away.”

Illinois Democratic Congressman Urges Biden to Step Down

After the rally, Biden briefly spoke with reporters in the White House pool, affirming his determination to stay in the race and dismissing calls from some lawmakers to withdraw.

When asked about Senator Warner's suggestion that Biden should let another person take over as the party’s presidential candidate, Biden responded, "Warner is the only one considering that."

Later that evening, Illinois Democratic Representative Mike Quigley appeared on MSNBC, urging Biden to step aside.

“Mr. President, your legacy is set. We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude,” Quigley said. “The only thing you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this.”