President Joe Biden stated in an interview with BET News that he would reconsider his presidential campaign if doctors diagnosed him with a medical issue.
“If I had a medical condition emerge, if doctors came to me and said, ‘You have this problem, that problem,’” Biden explained when asked about potential factors that would prompt him to reassess his candidacy.
This marks the first instance where Biden has indicated openness to the possibility of a medical condition influencing his decision to remain in the race. Previously, in an interview with ABC News shortly after a challenging debate, he had firmly asserted that only divine intervention could compel him to withdraw from the race. Last week, Biden outlined a different scenario, stating during a press conference that he would only step aside if his advisors presented evidence that he could not win the November election.
Despite mounting pressure from fellow Democrats following the contentious debate, which raised concerns about his age and mental sharpness, Biden has stood firm. He has consistently defended himself by citing assessments from his physicians that affirm his fitness for office. White House physician Kevin O’Connor confirmed in February, after Biden’s annual physical including a neurological evaluation, that Biden, at 81, remains in good health and is capable of fulfilling presidential duties effectively.
In a preview of his BET interview released on Wednesday, Biden acknowledged his debate performance as a serious mistake but downplayed its long-term significance. Reflecting on his initial intention to potentially serve only one term, Biden revealed that he changed his mind due to the nation’s increasing polarization.
“I said I was going to be a transitional candidate, and I thought I’d be able to move on from this, pass it on to someone else,” he shared with BET News’ Ed Gordon. “But I didn’t anticipate things getting so, so, so divided. Quite frankly, I think the only thing age brings [is] a little bit of wisdom, and I think I’ve demonstrated that I know how to get things done for the country.”
Biden expressed reluctance to walk away from the work still ahead for the country, emphasizing that there is more to accomplish during his presidency.
