WASHINGTON (TND) — Former White House chief of staff Ron Klain on Wednesday suggested President Joe Biden is still “up for the job” of being president despite his decision to drop out of the election.
Biden in July announced he would no longer seek reelection despite denying such speculation multiple times. The decision followed relentless pressure from political allies and family members.
It also came on the heels of the 81-year-old’s disastrous performance during his presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. Biden in that appearance appeared forgetful and confused while speaking in rambling fragments and a hoarse tone.
Klain told CNN, however, Biden is still fit to serve in office despite his decision.
I don’t deny that it was a bad debate performance, that’s different than whether or not the president is up to the job,” Klain said. “He’s clearly up to the job. He’s doing it every day. He’s doing it successfully.”Klain in that interview also described Biden’s solo press conference at the NATO summit following the debate as “the best foreign policy press conferences any president has ever given.” Biden in that appearance told reporters he would not bow out of the election.
“You made me the nominee, no one else — not the press, not the pundits, not the insiders, not donors," Biden said. “You, the voters. You decided. No one else. And I'm not going anywhere.”
Some Democrats have begun to target Trump's age in the wake of Biden dropping out. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said Wednesday Trump’s family is guilty of “elder abuse” for allowing the 78-year-old to continue campaigning for the presidency.
Rep. Swalwell was previously among those who defended Biden against attacks on his age.
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