Biden faces mounting pressure but declares intent to stay in race

The 81-year-old Biden is facing increasing pressure to withdraw from the presidential race. This resulted from poor performance during the first debate with Donald Trump at the end of June. Biden had trouble speaking and finishing sentences, which fueled voices saying that at 81, he might no longer be fit to hold office.

On Wednesday, "The New York Times" reported that Biden himself admitted in a conversation with one of his close associates that he realizes "he may not be able to salvage his candidacy". According to the newspaper, everything will depend on how the president performs in a series of interviews, meetings with voters, and press conferences planned for July. The White House later denied the "NYT" reports.

Also on Wednesday, Biden awarded the Medal of Honour at the White House. It was posthumously awarded to two soldiers who participated in the Civil War. Many journalists were watching the ceremony closely, following Biden's every move. They had a barrage of questions for the president. However, he did not answer any of them.

After delivering a 10-minute speech, the president quickly headed for the exit. He did not stop with the press representatives for even a moment.

Later that same day, Biden assured his campaign staff that despite growing calls for his resignation, he was still running for president.

I'm the Democratic Party’s nominee. No one is pushing me out. I'm not leaving. I'm in this race to the end, and WE are going to win this election, said Joe Biden.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also spoke up. In a conversation with reporters, she clearly emphasized that Biden does not intend to resign.

She further explained that the President of the United States is still sick but has not yet seen a doctor. She attributed his poor performance in the debate to "jet lag" caused by two foreign trips Biden made 12 days before the debate