President Joe Biden made a staunch declaration of his intention to run for re-election at a Michigan rally, amidst increasing pressure from within his own party to step aside.
Amid chants of support from a crowd, Biden delivered a vehement defense of his candidacy and criticized former President Donald Trump, who he accused of receiving undue leniency from the media.
Biden pointed out his previous success against Trump, saying, "I'm the only Democrat or Republican who has beaten Donald Trump ever. And I'm going to beat him again."
“That’s why I’m running to finish this job. There’s more to do. I know I’m only 41,” Biden said. “I promise you I’m okay.”
Despite recent Democratic debates that showcased Biden's verbal missteps and a subsequent poll by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist indicating an unchanged presidential race, Biden expressed confidence in his ability to win.
He also harshly criticized the "right-wing Project 2025" during a rally in the key electoral state of Michigan, using the controversial initiative as a focal point to address Democratic concerns about his candidacy in the upcoming presidential race.
Biden characterized Project 2025 as the most significant threat to the U.S. government and personal freedoms in the nation's history, attributing its origins to supporters of former President Donald Trump and describing it as a "blueprint for a second Trump."
Amidst energetic chants of support from attendees, Biden dismissed rumors of his withdrawal from the presidential race, emphatically stating his intention to run and win.
“I am running, and we’re going to win!” Biden said.
Biden's firm stance comes as several Democratic lawmakers have publicly urged him to reconsider his candidacy. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.) are the latest to join the call for Biden to pass the torch, with a total of 21 House Democrats and Senator Peter Welch of Vermont expressing similar sentiments.
The internal party debate over Biden's candidacy was further highlighted by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who met with Biden to discuss the election and relay concerns from fellow Democrats.