This interview marks Biden’s first TV appearance after the June 27 debate. According to Stephanopoulos, Trump’s team declined a similar interview offer from ABC News.
During the interview, Stephanopoulos questioned Biden on his debate performance against Donald Trump and reports of increasing lapses in recent months, asking what Biden would do to reassure the American public.
President Joe Biden admitted that last week’s debate was a “bad episode” but firmly dismissed broader concerns about his age and mental fitness. He highlighted his achievements, such as a Middle East peace plan, NATO expansion, and economic growth, stating he was still capable despite no longer being able to run the 100 meters in 10 seconds. When asked if he was more frail, Biden flatly denied it.
The White House and Biden’s campaign are using this interview to address concerns raised by his debate performance. Stephanopoulos also asked about Biden’s ability to serve effectively if reelected, given he would be 86 at the end of a second term. Biden expressed confidence in his mental and physical capacity to serve another four years.
Biden declined to commit to an independent medical evaluation including cognitive tests. He also downplayed recent polls showing him trailing Trump, and responded humorously to a question about stepping down if he couldn’t defeat Trump, saying it would take divine intervention for him to do so.
