Biden Defends Decision to Stay in Race Amid Age and Mental Concerns

President Participates in High-Stakes News Conference

Biden Faces Calls to Step Down

In a nearly hourlong news conference, President Joe Biden defended his decision to stay in the race amid growing questions about his age and mental fitness.

Biden participated in the most high-stakes news conference of his political career on Thursday, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels. The event was widely seen as a test of his ability to fend off calls from some Democrats for him to step down due to his age and perceived cognitive decline.

During the news conference, Biden repeatedly defended his record and insisted that he is "in good health" and "up to the job." He also took aim at his Republican critics, accusing them of "fear-mongering" and "lying" about his mental health.

Biden's performance at the news conference was met with mixed reviews. Some observers praised him for his resilience and determination, while others expressed concerns about his ability to handle the demands of the presidency.

The news conference comes at a critical juncture for Biden's campaign. He is facing mounting pressure from within his own party to drop out of the race, and his poll numbers have been slipping in recent months.

Biden's decision to stay in the race sets up a potential showdown with former Vice President Mike Pence, who is the current front-runner for the Republican nomination. The two candidates are expected to meet in a series of debates in the coming months.