US President Joe Biden has quashed rumours he could drop out of the race for the Democratic candidacy after an ally claimed he had just days left to save his position.
In a firm statement on social media, the 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief said: "Let me say this as clearly as I can: I'm the sitting President of the United States. I'm the nominee of the Democratic party. I'm staying in the race."
The social media post came as Biden took to the stage in Wisconsin to campaign - but, while he was up there, he made yet another gaffe.
The President, after confirming he would remain the Democratic candidate, pledged to beat Donald Trump "again in 2020".
Let me say this as clearly as I can:
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 5, 2024
I’m the sitting President of the United States.
I’m the nominee of the Democratic party.
I’m staying in the race.
His pledges and gaffes come two days after the New York Times had reported that Biden told a key ally that he could have a few days to save his candidacy - which was swiftly denied by White House officials.
The ally said Biden knew his next few public appearances must go well in order to convince the American public that he's fit to take on the Presidency for another four years, in a shock reveal which followed his first official call from within to resign the day before.
But White House spokesperson Andrew Bates immediately slated the NYT's claims on social media as "absolutely false".
The rumours began when House Representative Lloyd Doggett became the first congressional Democrat to call for Biden to step aside on July 2 in a statement saying he was "hopeful" the President "will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw".
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The social media post came as Biden took to the stage in Wisconsin to campaign
Reuters
The Texas Democrat lawmaker said: "While much of his work has been transformational, he pledged to be transitional.
"He has the opportunity to encourage a new generation of leaders from whom a nominee can be chosen to unite our country through an open, democratic process."
Then, CBS reported that a "large" group of House Democrats "covering a broad swath of the Democratic caucus" was also calling on Biden to withdraw from the race.
But despite the White House's swift condemnation, reports didn't appear to reach former President Donald Trump.
Biden will likely face a bullish Donald Trump on November 5
Reuters"The Donald" will face an uphill battle to overturn the hush money conviction
"The Donald" will face sentencing for his hush-money conviction in September
ReutersIn footage - which appears to have been secretly recorded - the 45th President said: "He [Biden] just quit, you know - he's quitting the race... I got him out.
"And that means we have Kamala... She's so bad, she's so pathetic - she's so f***ing bad."
If Biden receives the official nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August, he'll be up against Donald Trump in a heated battle for the Oval Office.
While Biden faces questions over his mental acuity, Trump has issues of his own to contend with - namely, his upcoming sentencing for his hush-money felony convictions.
In the wake of the historic US Supreme Court ruling that confirmed him to be partially immune from prosecution for his actions as President, lawyers have agreed to let Trump push back his sentencing to September 18 - mere weeks before election day on November 5.