Joe Biden has been asked if he is ready to serve as the President of the United States, whereas Kamala Harris was also given the opportunity to ask him.
In a BET interview aired on Wednesday, the former vice president was asked if he would be willing to act as a transitional figurehead before handing over power to Harris within one year. “The only time I’m told that there is some kind of medical condition is when it’s not,” he said with two years of life ahead.
However, at 81, Biden admitted that questions about his age are legitimate while maintaining that he can still lead the country and stay in White House for another four years.
He will turn 86 upon completion of his second term.
“Okay, I’m three years older than Trump. I think physically I am in a bit better shape than he is,” Biden said. “As long as I can demonstrate this doesn’t impact my ability to compete, my ability to get things done – my ability to actually lead the world.”
Responding affirmatively when asked if he had reconsidered his position every year or so far, Biden stated: “Actually yes. But there’s no reason for us to believe that,” according to report.
Following a poor showing in his June 27 debate with Trump, Biden launched an energetic effort to convince voters of his mental acuity. However, a slew of interviews, campaign events and strategy memos have failed to quell lingering concerns among many Democrats about their ability to beat Donald Trump – questions about which were underscored by recent statements from Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
Earlier in an interview, Biden stated that if health issues arise, he would change his mind about running again.
For him personally, Wednesday brought several crushing blows: testing positive for COVID-19 meant cancelling a speech before the largest Latino advocacy group in America.
This diagnosis followed Representative Adam Schiff’s call on Thursday night for Mr. Biden to withdraw from competition; according ABC News & Washington Post reports senior Democratic leaders both on House and Senate sides privately warned Biden that he is endangering Democrats’ chances to take control of Congress.
Although Biden has pledged to stay in the race, he has recently made public statements expressing confidence in Harris as speculation over his health opens up discussion on whether the vice president would be his most likely successor.
