Biden tells Democrats he is 'firmly committed to staying' in presidential race

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden on Monday rejected the calls of Democrats to step down from the presidential race after last month's poor debate performance with former President Donald Trump.

"I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump," Biden wrote in a letter to Democrats in Congress.

The letter came amid growing calls for the 81-year-old Biden to end his reelection bid due to concerns over his ability to secure a victory for Democrats in November.

"I have heard the concerns that people have—their good faith fears and worries about what is at stake in this selection. I am not blind to them," Biden said.

Biden said he feels a "deep obligation" to the faith and the trust the voters of the Democratic Party have placed in him to run this year.

"It was their decision to make. Not the press, not the pundits, not the big donors, not any selected group of individuals, no matter how well intentioned," he said.

"The voters – and the voters alone – decide the nominee of the Democratic Party. How can we stand for democracy in our nation if we ignore it in our own party? I cannot do that. I will not do that," he added.

Biden said he has been grateful for the "rock-solid, steadfast" support from so many elected Democrats in Congress and all across the country.

"I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn't be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024," he added.