Biden: Only God Can Ask Me to Step Down

US President Joe Biden has returned to the campaign trail in a bid to rejuvenate his re-election efforts as senior Democrats convene to discuss increasing calls for him to withdraw from the presidential race.

The 81-year-old Democrat began a demanding week with two campaign rallies in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, before hosting the NATO leaders’ summit in Washington.

Facing growing scrutiny and pressure to step aside following a poorly received debate against Donald Trump, Biden has steadfastly asserted his capability to serve another term. At rallies, to reporters, and on social media, Biden has declared he is the only candidate who can defeat Trump again.

“If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race,” Biden stated. “But the Lord Almighty is not coming down.”

He added on his campaign’s social media, “I beat Trump in 2020. I’m going to beat him again in 2024.”

Despite a recent interview with ABC News, concerns about Biden’s age and fitness persist. His next significant public appearance will be a press conference during the NATO summit on Thursday.

Meanwhile, five Democratic lawmakers have urged Biden to exit the race, with calls for his withdrawal gradually increasing. First Lady Jill Biden, reportedly advocating for her husband to remain in the race, is set to campaign in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.

After Sunday’s rallies in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Biden will momentarily pause his campaign activities for the NATO summit starting Tuesday. Here, he will need to reassure European allies, who are apprehensive about a potential Trump victory in November.

Trump, the 78-year-old Republican candidate, has long criticized NATO, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, and claimed he could swiftly resolve the conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for three years.