President Biden sought to stabilize his campaign on Friday following a disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump. The debate’s aftermath caused significant concern within the Democratic Party, prompting some supporters and even the liberal New York Times to suggest Biden consider stepping down as the presumptive nominee, despite his firm stance against it.
“Folks, I don’t walk as easy as I used to, I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to, I don’t debate as well as I used to,” the 81-year-old Biden remarked during a midday rally in North Carolina. Later that afternoon, he appeared at Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn alongside pop star Elton John.
“But I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong,” Biden stated earlier in Raleigh.
“I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. I know what millions of Americans know: When you get knocked down, you get back up,” added Biden, who would be 86 at the end of a full second term.
Throughout his public appearances on Friday, Biden adhered closely to his prepared remarks, making only minor errors, as he prepared for an evening fundraiser at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Midtown.
While speaking at a new Stonewall visitors center dedicated to the history of the gay rights movement, Biden mistakenly said “LBGTQ+” instead of the correct acronym but corrected himself later.
Additionally, the president drew social media attention for standing behind Elton John, 77, during the musician’s three-minute speech, instead of joining the audience after introducing him.
“Good job, man,” Biden said as John concluded his speech. John appeared surprised to see the president still on stage and responded with, “Huh?” and then “oh” when Biden repeated himself.
{Matzav.com}